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presented by 



THE 

Charles Larned 
Memorial 




OXFORD 

MASSACHUSETTS 

1906 



SOUVENIR 

OF THE 



Charles Larned Memorial 



AND THE 



FREE PUBLIC LIBRARY 



OXFORD, MASSACHUSETTS 

w 

1906 




Boston 

Geo. H. Ellis Co., Printers, 272 Congress Street 

1906 



■?>•*■ 



7.-1 

■ Of 



Gift 
The Library 

'07 



FOREWORD. 

The prime object of the following pages is to 
report the dedicatory exercises of the 

Charles Larned Memorial, 

but its character as a memorial and as a working 
factor in the individual and social life of the com- 
munity cannot be fully appreciated without a some- 
what detailed account of its history and structural 
features, while the only fitting introduction thereto 
is a brief sketch of the 

Free Public Library 

whose needs called it into being and with which hence- 
forth it is to be identified. This sketch has been 
extracted from the Town Report of 1890, which 
with all other material has been selected and 
arranged for this brochure, that, as far as limits 
would permit, it might at least approach complete- 
ness and symmetry. 



BENEFACTORS 

OF THE 

FREE PUBLIC LIBRARY 



1868. 
Hon. Ira M. Barton, Founder, 



1876. 
Hon. George L. Davis, 



1892. 

Gen. Nelson H. Davis, 



1895. 

Mrs. Mary S. T. Wallace, 

&1993.25. 

1898. 

Jeremiah Learned, Esq., 

Residuary Portion of Estate. 

1902. 

Orrin F. Joslin, Esq., 

$1000. 

Town of Oxford, 



For Purchase of Present Site. 

1904. 

Miss Mattie E. Sawtelle, 



Hon. Eichard Olney, 



Charles Earned, Esq., 

The " Charles Lamed Memorial.' 




X > 






EXTRACT FROM THE REPORT 

ON THE 

FREE PUBLIC LIBRARY. 

1890. 

In the belief that everything contributing to the 
formation of our own Free Public Library would be 
of interest, a brief historical sketch of this and 
kindred enterprises preceding it has been compiled 
from material kindly furnished by Mr. George F. 
Daniels. 

PASTOR'S LIBRARY. 

The first collection of books in Oxford, con- 
stituting a library of perhaps not over ten volumes, 
was contributed, some as early as 1719, by Paul 
Dudley, Rev. Benjamin Wadsworth, and other 
gentlemen of Boston and vicinity, well-wishers of 
the town, for the use of the minister. Several of 
these volumes were preserved as late as 1840, in 
the receptacle of the " Social Library," which was 
formed later. Among them were specimens of 
costly book-making, ponderous volumes, books of 



sermons, commentaries, and prolix treatises on re- 
ligious subjects. Some volumes are still in exist- 
ence, two of which contain interesting inscriptions. 
The first, being a Scripture Commentary printed in 
London in 1624, was in 1701 the property of Mr. 
Wadsworth, minister of the First Church in Boston, 
once President of Harvard College. On the margin 
of the first leaf is written "For Oxford Library," 
opposite, on the blank page, " The gift of the 
Rev'd Mr. Benjamin Wadsworth — for the use of 
the Church or Parish Library of Oxford in the 
County of Suffolk, 1719." The other is entitled 
" Hexapla," or Commentary on Romans. On the 
back of this title-page is written "Roxbury, 3d 
July, 1736. For the use of the Parish Library in 
Oxford, New England, the Rev. Mr. Cambel being 
the present minister. Given by Paul Dudley." 
There was also a large folio in Latin, being " An 
Exposition of the Psalms, given by Rev. Dr. Col- 
man," a volume of Sermons by Samuel Hieron, 
given by Samuel Taylor of Boston, and one 
written by William Morice, Esq., given by Paul 
Dudley.* 

*A receipt of Deacon Samuel Harris, 15 Nov. 1784, indicates that 
live volumes at least had been in the custody of Rev. Joseph Bowman, 
and were at that date delivered up to the church; described as "one 
folio in Latin, an Exposition of the Psalms, and four other small folios 
in English, being Hieron's Sermons, one written by Samuel Morice, Esq., 
one a Sixfold Commentary on Romans, and the fourth a Commentary on 
Proverbs and Psalms." 

(These volumes were finally given to the Free Public Library by the 
First Congregational Church. See Town Reports for 1890-91.) 



SOCIAL LIBRARY 

The second, called the "Social Library," was 
established about the time of the Revolutionary 
War. It was founded through the influence of 
Josiah Wolcott, Dr. Stephen Barton, Jonathan Davis, 
and others, and was an important institution of the 
village during the latter part of the last century. 
Its early records are lost. It was at first a stock 
company, and the proceeds of the sales of shares 
were expended in purchasing books. Donations of 
books were also made by individuals. Its deposi- 
tory was, for many years, at the Butler tavern. 
Later it was removed to the dwelling-house of 
Peter Butler, in whose care it remained until his 
decease in 1857. A catalogue and list of members, 
dated 1 March, 1818, gives 113 volumes and 30 
proprietors. Total cost of books, $254.27.* 

*In 1839 Judge Barton, then of Worcester, presented to the library- 
four large Supplementary Volumes of the British Encyclopaedia with a 
volume of plates. In his accompanying note addressed to Mr. Peter 
Butler, he says, " In tendering it to your Association, I shall only make a 
small hut grateful return for the pleasure and benefit derived in the days 
of my boyhood from their useful library." 

(These volumes, together with Vol. VIII. of Rollin's Ancient History, 
passed into the hands of Mrs. John Pratt of Oxford, who gave them 
to the Free Public Library. See Town Reports for 1890-91.) 

The Catalogue was as follows: British Album, Brown's Elements, 
Barclay's Apology, Chesterfield Abridged, Clark's Travels, 3 vols., 
Campbell's Narrative, Dean's Husbandry, Dialogue of Devils, Domes- 
tic Encyclopaedia, 5 vols., Domestic Cookery, Encyclopaedia, 18 vols., 
Franklin's Works, Female Biography, Goldsmith's Works, 6 vols., 
Grandpre's Voyage, Holmes' Sketches, 2 vols., The Hive, Herriot's 
Travels, Heathen Gods, Indian Wars, Locke on the Understanding, 2 
vols., Life of Washington, 5 vols., Paradise Lost, Memoir of Cumber- 
land, Modern Europe, Prideaux' History of the Bible, 4 vols., Parent's 
Friend, Pope's Works, 4 vols., Parke's Travels, Porteus' Evidences of 
Christian Religion, Relly's Works, 2 vols., Rights of Women, Rambler, 
4 vols., Rollin's Ancient History, 8 vols., Robertson's America, 2 vols., 
Seneca's Morals, Self Knowledge, Shakespeare, 6 vols., Spectator, 8 vols., 
The Task, Thomson's Seasons, Telemachus, 2 vols., Thinks I to Myself, 

9 



It is known that in 1841 some shareholders drew 
out their proportion of books permanently, but not 
nearly all did so ; and on 7 March, 1859, the 
balance of the collection was sold at auction to Mr. 
Daniel Rich for $8.55, and the books were scat- 
tered in all directions. 

SOCIETY LIBRARY. 

In January, 1792, the Congregational Church 
voted an appropriation of ,£30 from the Hagburn 
fund toward a new library. Mr. Dudley seems to 
have been the prime mover in this matter, and with 
Captain Elisha Davis, Deacon John Dana, and 
Captain Ebenezer Humphrey was deputed to buy 
books. The record recites : " The following are 
the conditions on which the church agrees to lay 
out money ... in junction with other gentlemen 
subscribers in the town." The following, outside 
the church, paid each 15 shillings and were mem- 
bers : John Ballard, Jonas Eddy, Lemuel Crane, 
Anthony Sigourney, Simeon Kingsbury, Ebenezer 
Shumway, Jr., Jesse Stone of Ward, Allen Han- 
cock, Amos Shumway, Jr., Joseph Hurd, Daniel 
Kingsbury, Ambrose Stone, Jr., Sylvanus Town. 

Sigourney sold in 1796 to Elias Pratt. 

Vicar of Wakefield, Views of Religion, Whitney's History of Worcester 
County, Mr. Williams' Letters, Winchester's Letters. 

The names of the proprietors were as follows: James Butler, Peter 
Butler, Lemuel Crane, Jonathan Davis, Rufus Davis, Abijah Davis, 
Nehemiah Davis, Stephen Davis, Jonathan Davis, Jr., William T. Fisk, 
Asa Harris, Samuel Harris, Jonas Hartwell, Bradford Hudson, Jeremiah 
Kingsbury, Samuel Kingsbury. Stephen Kingsbury, Sylvanus Learned, 
Abisha Learned, William Lamson, John Mayo, Richard Moore, Thomas 
Meriam, Jotham Meriam, John Pratt, John Putnam, Amos Rich, Joseph 
Stone, William Sigourney, Samuel Ward. 

10 



In February, 1792, books to the value of £27 
14s. were bought, and the library was soon opened. 
According to the bylaws, the pastor, Mr. Dudley, 
was librarian, acting efficiently while he remained 
in town.* 

The library opened with about 80 volumes. 
Later, from time to time, additions were made by 
gift and purchase, so that the aggregate was prob- 
ably nearly or quite 150 volumes. It is no slight 
compliment to the intelligence, character, and good 
taste of the members of the church and this associ- 
ation that, as the records testify, these solid vol- 
umes were, for many years, extensively circulated 
and read throughout the town. 

A prudential committee of five was chosen annu- 
ally to manage the general affairs of the institution, 
and for the first twenty years the following consti- 
tuted this committee: Ebenezer Learned, Elisha 
Davis, Samuel Harris, Samuel Crane, John Ballard, 

*The titles of works first purchased were: Gibbon's Abridgment, 2 
vols., Robertson's America, 2 vols., Guthrie's Grammar, Morse's Gram- 
mar, Dodd's Thoughts, Fordyce's Sermons, Paley's Philosophy, Citi- 
zen of the World, 2 vols., Blackstone's Commentaries, 4 vols., Web- 
ster's Essay, Paradise Lost, Night Thoughts, Beattie's Evidences, 
Beattie's Moral Science, Stackhouse's History of the Bible, 6 vols., The 
Task, Edwards on the Will, Jennyn's View, Mason's Self Knowledge, 
Watts' Death and Heaven, Ramsay's History, Doddridge's Rise and 
Progress, Child's Friend, 2 vols., Minot's Insurrections, Keats' Pelew 
Islands, Vicar of Wakefield, Edwards on Sin, Edwards on Redemption, 
Gardiner's Life, Blair's Sermons, 2 vols., Boston's Distinguished Char- 
acters, Edwards on the Affections, Edwards against Chauncey, The 
Spectator, 8 vols., Doddridge's Sermons, Christian Theology, Pilgrim's 
Progress, Martin's Grammar, Newton on the Prophecies, 2 vols., Seneca's 
Morals, Hopkins on Holiness, Edwards on Virtue, American Preacher, 
3 vols., Butler's Analogy, Price's Dissertations, Hervey's Meditations, 
Bigelow's Tour, 2 vols., Millot's Elements, 5 vols., Locke's Essay, 2 vols., 
Ferguson's Astronomy. 

( The remnant of this library was given to the Free Public Library by 
the First Congregational Church. See Town Reports for 1890-91.) 

11 



Ebenezer Humphrey, Joseph Hurd, Joshua Turner, 
John Dana. 

On Mr. Dudley's removal in 1799, Jonathan 
Harris was chosen librarian, and continued until 
January, 1806, when Rev. J. Moulton became ex- 
officio the custodian. He only retained it till April, 
when Col. Sylvanus Town was elected, serving until 
the settlement of Mr. Batcheller in 1816, who 
assumed charge. He died October, 1822 ; and Jan- 
uary, 1823, Calvin Perry was librarian, at which 
time interest had much declined. In January, 
1825, the church voted sixty dollars to replenish 
the collection, and Seth Daniels was chosen libra- 
rian. About this time the name was changed from 
" Society Library " to " Second Social Library." 
Among the important additions at this time were 
Scott's Bible, 6 volumes, Rollin's History in sev- 
eral volumes, Silliman's Travels, 3 volumes, Mas- 
sillon's Sermons, Kimpton's History of the Bible. 

In July, 1831, the books were removed to the 
custody of John Wetherell, where they continued 
two or three years at least, and later, a proposition 
being made for a removal to the new meeting- 
house, as being more central, they were taken to 
the vestibule of the gallery, where they remained 
until the removal of the house to its present loca- 
tion, when they were put in the basement, where 
they have since remained. 

After the removal of the library to the church, 
having no responsible custodian, it was but little 
used ; and, being in a public place, many volumes 
disappeared, so that at present only about twenty- 



12 



five remain. The case is now used by the Sunday 
School.* 



LIBRARY ASSOCIATION. 

This was an organization of the young people, 
numbering fifty or more, formed in 1856. While 
its ultimate object was to establish a library, it 
first took the form of a reading club, meeting at 
private houses once in two weeks. Conducted by 
its members, there was a literary paper called the 
Evening Star. An effort was made to raise funds 
by lectures, but was relinquished. In December a 
dramatic entertainment was given at Sanford's Hall, 
which put more than fifty dollars into the treasury, 
which with membership fees, fines, etc., enabled the 
Society in December, 1857, to buy 84 volumes and 
a case, and a library was opened under the name of 
the "Association Library." The public were given 
the privileges of it by the payment of one dollar 
per annum for each person. The number of books 
was increased by donations and purchase until it 
reached about 150 volumes, and the selection was 
good. Issachar Shumway was first librarian. 
Changes were made in this office every three 
months. The books were kept for a time at the 
office, formerly Dr. Nichols', near the present Dr. 
Cushman house, since removed to Barton Street. 

*Some of the entries on the records of fines are quite suggestive of 
the olden times, as when Mr. Lemuel Crane "greased Blackstone"; 
Peter Shumway "dropped tallow on the American Preacher"; Silas Eddy 
" dropped tallow on and burnt Stackhouse " ; John Dana, " a drop of the 
candle on book " ; Amos Shumway " blurred (snuff; Josephus." Fines for 
tallow drops were common. 

13 



In January, I860, the interest in the Society had 
fallen off. In February, meetings were suspended 
and a committee chosen to care for the Library, 
funds, etc. In November, meetings were, by vote, 
discontinued. 

The Library was removed to the store of B. W. 
Childs, one of the committee, and remained there 
for several years ; and later the books were trans- 
ferred to the Free Public Library. 

HIGH SCHOOL. 

The High School was opened in 1856. A year 
or two later a small library had been gathered for 
its use, chiefly by private contributions. In May, 
1859, with a view to concentrate forces, the High 
School voted to incorporate its library with that of 
the Library Association, then in a flourishing con- 
dition. The books continued in the care of the 
Association for two years ; and in May, 1861, at 
the closing up of its affairs, it was unanimously 
agreed to return to the school the volumes received, 
and also a case in which the whole had been kept, 
and the school library was re-established in its old 
position. 

Additions to it have been made from time to 
time by private contributions, purchases from the 
proceeds of entertainments, etc., and the collection 
now numbers about 250 volumes,* and is consid- 
ered a valuable adjunct to the educational appli- 
ances of the school. 

* Since increased to upwards of 1500, 
14 



FARMERS' LIBRARY. 

The Oxford Agricultural Library Association was 
formed July 25, 1859. The town had been can- 
vassed by an agent of certain book publishers, and 
sixty-eight shares at three dollars each were sold. 
A constitution and by-laws were adopted, and a 
library of 148 volumes, costing $225, was estab- 
lished. George Hodges, Jr., was first president, 
and William E. Pease treasurer and librarian, con- 
tinuing from first to last. The books were kept at 
the post-office, and for a few years were read ; but, 
as few additions were made, interest declined, and 
on August 15, 1870, the collection was by unani- 
mous vote given to the town to be incorporated in 
the Public Library. 

SCHOOL LIBRARIES. 

As early as 1841, school libraries were being 
printed and established in Massachusetts under the 
sanction of the Board of Education. The plan con- 
templated one hundred volumes, at a cost of $57. 
At this date thirty-seven volumes had been issued, 
and such a library was projected in District No. 7, 
North Gore, when $23.55 was raised by subscrip- 
tion and paid March 17, 1842. By-laws were 
adopted, officers chosen, and the library opened. 
In 1843 it became the property of the district. 
George W. Hartwell was chosen librarian, and the 
books were kept at his house. 



15 



FREE PUBLIC LIBRARY. 

By such enterprises, modest in their aims and 
pretensions, but suited to the wants of the times 
and communities in which they found birth, the 
way and no inconsiderable material were prepared 
for the Free Public Library. It owes its origin to 
the kindly regard and generous impulses of a dis- 
tinguished son of the town, Hon. Ira M. Barton. 
Bearing in mind the benefits he, in his youth, re- 
ceived from a similar source, and the appreciation 
in which he had been held by the people, he gave 
in his will the sum of one thousand dollars towards 
establishing a Free Public Library.* 

This gift was formally accepted by the town in 
April, 1868. In November, 1869, on the report of 
a committee appointed in April previous to consider 
the subject, it was voted to organize a town library 
under the provisions of the State laws. In April, 
1870, it was voted to appropriate an ante-room of 
the High School house to its use, and a committee 
was chosen to fit up the same, purchase books, and 
provide for putting the library in operation, the ex- 
pense of which was to be paid from the Barton 
Fund. The money refunded from the dog tax was 
appropriated to the library, in accordance with 
Chapter 250 of the Acts of 1869. In the autumn 
of 1870 the library was opened. In April, 1871, 
Charles A. Angell, George F. Daniels, and E. Har- 

* Judge Barton's will, dated 1 June, 1867, contained the following: 
"One thousand dollars to the inhabitants of the Town of Oxford, my 
native place, towards establishing a Free Public Library in that town, as 
an inadequate return for the kindness and patronage of their fathers in 
my early professional life." 

16 



ris Howland were chosen a committee with the 
power to employ a librarian and to make by-laws. 
In 1874 the books, then numbering 1700, were 
removed to their present location in the Town Hall. 
The town has, since the beginning, with the ex- 
ception of one or two years, voted to it the dog tax 
fund, which, besides paying current expenses, has 
increased the number of volumes to upwards of 
4000* 

Reference Library. 

A most valuable feature of the Free Public Li- 
brary is its Reference Department. It is rich in 
general works, art and other illustrated books, too 
cumbersome or too costly for the circulating depart- 
ment, but indispensable for occasional use. For this 
the town is indebted to the liberality of Hon. George 
L. Davis of North Andover, who, alive to the im- 
portance of public records and of proper indexes to 
make them available, in the spring of 1876 proposed 
to present to the town $500 for the benefit of its 
library, on condition that it would cause its earlier 
records of Births, Marriages, and Deaths to be copied 
and indexed. In April of the same year this offer 
was accepted, and the proposed work completed 
during the following summer. 

The number of volumes hi this department is 
about 4:50. t 

In addition to the Circulating and Reference De- 

* Now 8000. 
tNow 1200. 

17 



partments, the Reading Table is constantly supplied 
with the following : — 

Periodicals* 



MONTHLY. 



North American Review. 

Harper's Magazine. 

Scribner's. 

CasselVs Magazine of Art. 

Traveler's Record. 



Forum. 
Century. 
St. Nicholas. 
Literary News. 
Manifesto. 



WEEKLY. 



Illustrated London News. 
Harper s Bazar. 
Youth's Companion. 
London Graphic. 



American Notes and 

Queries. 
The Open Court. 
West Shore. 



*This list revised and brought up to date includes the following :— 
Quarterly. 
The Forum. 



Monthly 



The Atlantic. 
The Century. 
The Cosmopolitan. 
Country Life in America. 
Everybody's Magazine. 
Good Housekeeping. 
Harper's Bazar. 
Harper's Magazine. 
Masters in Art. 
McClure's Magazine. 
Munsey's Magazine. 
New England Magazine. 

Weekly. 
Frank Leslie's. 
Harper's Weekly. 
The Illustrated London News. 
The Webster Times. 
The Woman's Journal. 



The North American Review. 
The Outing Magazine. 
The Outlook. 
Public Libraries. 
The American Review of Reviews. 
The School Arts Book. 
Scribner's Magazine. 
Success Magazine. 
The Technical World. 
The Protectionist. 
The Worcester Magazine. 
The World's Work. 

Juvenile. 
TheAmerican Boy. 
Our Dumb Animals. 
St. Nicholas. 
The Youth's Companion. 



18 



With numerous occasional periodicals and other 
matter of current interest. 

The rapid increase and growing appreciation of 
the Free Public Library are constantly impressing 
its larger demands and suggesting new devices for 
its improvement, and we cannot close this brief 
sketch more fittingly than by quoting from the 
Committee's last report the concluding paragraphs : 

Provision for the future is a work requiring the 
co-operation of present and succeeding committees ; 
of town authorities and their constituents; of all 
those who or whose ancestors have called Oxford 
their home ; of public men who in the councils of 
state or nation have the disposal of public docu- 
ments ; of the wealthy and public-spirited, whether 
living or dying, and especially of our citizens, rich 
and poor alike, who by the exercise of generosity 
and self-denial can contribute an occasional book, 
picture or other object of interest, and, so, adding to 
the general aggregate, can engender and foster a 
feeling of individual proprietorship more helpful 
than wealth and its purchases. 

In conclusion, it is proper to suggest another 
problem whose solution will fall to the not distant 
future, " What provision shall be made for this pro- 
tege of the town when it has outgrown its present 
quarters ? " The good fortune of such towns as Con- 
cord, Quincy, Lincoln, Manchester-by-the-Sea, and a 
host of others whose public library buildings are at 
once a just cause of local pride and an honor to 
New England civilization, suggest the hope that 
some public-spirited benefactor may find immor- 
tality by linking his name to a modest architectural 
pile in which the Oxford Free Public Library may 
find its permanent home. 

19 



Ten years later this " Public-spirited Benefactor " 
whom the prophetic vision of a New England Faith 
dimly descried, appeared in the person of our es- 
teemed former townsman, and the outcome is set 
forth in the last report of the Trustees of the 
Library. 

EXTRACT 

PROM THE 

REPORT OF TRUSTEES, 
1905. 

In our annual report to the town last year, we 
were privileged to congratulate our fellow-citizens 
on the near completion of the magnificent new 
Library Building then in process of construction — 
the princely gift of Mr. Charles Larned of Bos- 
ton, a native and former resident of the town — for 
the use of the Free Public Library and as a per- 
petual memorial of his mother. 

Since that report was made, the beautiful build- 
ing has been finished, the extensive grounds have 
been graded, and the borders planted with a varie- 
gated selection of plants and shrubbery. The an- 
cient elms at the front, the literal groves of great 
maples at the north and south, the massive edifice 
in the centre, and the tasteful walks and borders 
that conveniently span the boundaries, make the 
grounds, in the season of green leaf and blossom, 
one of the most charming spots in this or any other 
village. 

And here we are happy to add one other fact to 
the above description. By deed of gift, signed, 

20 



Ten years later this " Public-spirited Benefactor " 
whom the prophetic vision of a New England Faith 
dimly descried, appeared in the person of our es- 
teemed former townsman, and the outcome is set 
forth in the last report of the Trustees of the 
Library. 

EXTRACT 

FROM Ti 

REPORT OP TRUSTEES, 

1905. 

In our annfia?^^V>A 6P4Kfefttt3ra last year, we 
were privileged to congratulate our fellow-citizens 
on the near compWti&h ^^^he magnificent new 
Library Building then in process of construction — 
the prindflyflflffi* 1 Iflff'tatoriiftJE^aaD of Bos- 
ton, a native and former resident of the town — for 
the use of the Free Public Library and as a per- 

Since that report was made, the beautiful build- 
ing has been finist^L tj^ extensive grounds have 
been graded, and the borders planted with a varie- 
gated selectiogL^p^%j^_gS^bbery. The an- 
cient elms at the front, the literal groves of great 
maples at the north and south, the massive edifice 
in the centre, and the tasteful walks and borders 
that conveniently span the boundaries, make the 
grounds, in the season of green leaf and blossom, 
one of the most charming spots in this or any other 
village. 

And here we are happy to add one other fact to 
the above description. By deed of gift, signed, 

20 



sealed, and publicly delivered, all this has become 
the property of the town, and the town has entered 
into possession. Here, for all time, will be the 
home of the Oxford Free Public Library. Our 
limit is now about 8000 volumes. The building is 
planned to accommodate 40,000, so that we may 
safely say its conveniences will be ample for a hun- 
dred years to come, or so long as its massive walls 
shall withstand the dangers of fire and flood, or the 
slower disintegration of the elements. 

It was in the spring of 1900, at the annual April 
meeting, that the purpose of Mr. Larned to donate 
a large sum toward a new library building was first 
made known to the town. The Library had out- 
grown its quarters in the rooms allotted to it in 
Memorial Hall, and its cramped and crowded condi- 
tion had become a matter of serious consideration 
by the officials in charge and by the great public 
who availed themselves of its advantages. A read- 
justment of partitions to give more room would dis- 
commode other departments occupying the lower 
floor of the town building, and would be an expen- 
sive and, in the growing condition of the library, 
but a temporary remedy. The proposal of Mr. 
Larned, coming in this opportune time, was a prac- 
tical solution of the difficult problem. The town 
accepted his generous offer with thanks, and chose 
a committee acceptable to Mr. Larned to select and 
purchase a site and to superintend the erection of 
the contemplated library building. 

There was a delay of two years, during which a 
site was selected, plans procured, the contract given 



21 



out, and everything made ready for the commence- 
ment of the work. It was at this stage that Mr. 
Lamed assumed the whole financial responsibility. 
In the spring of 1903 ground was broken, the 
foundations put in, and during the season the work 
progressed toward completion. May 20 the corner 
stone was laid by the Most Worshipful Masonic 
Grand Lodge of Massachusetts, under the escort of 
the local Lodge. It was a magnificent ceremony, 
and the occasion was made a holiday in the town. 
In the winter and spring of 1904 the carpenters had 
finished their work, the elegant furniture was put in, 
the stack-rooms and book-shelves arranged, and, 
when all things were ready, the library was moved 
into its new home. On the 16th of July the doors 
were first opened to the public and the first books 
issued from the new quarters. The building had 
not then been given over to the town, and its early 
occupancy was therefore through the courtesy of 
the Building Committee. 

But the 5th of October, 1904, was the great day 
in the history of the Library, when the title of this 
splendid property passed into the possession of the 
town, and the buildings and grounds dedicated by 
imposing ceremonials to the uses and purposes of the 
Oxford Free Public Library forever. These 
formalities took place in Memorial Hall, after an 
inspection of the new building and grounds by all 
who were interested. The house was packed with 
an audience composed of home-comers, former citi- 
zens, interested visitors, and our own people. Upon 
the platform were seated the town officers, the 

22 



speakers, and the especial guests of the occasion, 
among whom was Mr. Charles Larned, the ob- 
served of all observers as the generous giver of 
the building we were dedicating. The exercises, in 
brief, were as follows : — 

Invocation Rev. I. A. Mesler 

Vocal Music Double Quartet. 

John E. Kimball, Esq., Chairman of the Building Commit- 
tee, presided, who, after an appropriate introductory 
address, called on the following gentlemen for brief 
responses : — 
Edmund M. Barton, Librarian of the American Anti- 
quarian Society and son of Hon. Ira M. Barton, the 
Founder of the Library. 
Samuel S. Green, Librarian of the Free Public Library 

of Worcester. 
Hon. David I. Robinson, President of the Robinson 
Family Genealogical and Historical Association. 

Vocal Music Oxford Male Quartet. 

Delivery of Deed and Keys to Town Authorities and 

transfer to Trustees of Library. 
Dedicatory Prayer .... Rev. Charles M. Carpenter 

Address, 
Hon. Carroll D. Wright, President of Clark College, 

Worcester. 
Singing, " America " . . The Audience, led by Quartet. 
Benediction Rev. Albert Tyler 

The steps which have led to this consummation 
were as follows : — 

At the Annual Town Meeting held on the 2 April, 
1900, under Article 13,—" To see if the town will 
designate a Committee to confer with Mr. Charles 
Lamed, of Boston, in relation to a proposed gift to 

23 



the town/' — the following letter was read by Mr. 
John E. Kimball : — 

Eoom 1025, Tremont Building, Boston, Mass., 

February 15, 1900. 

To the Voters of Oxford : 

Gentlemen, — It has been my desire, for many 
years, to do something in a substantial way for my 
native town where my parents lived and where their 
mortal remains repose. 

If this desire is ever realized, it is important, not 
to say essential, that it should be, not only with the 
approval, but with the hearty co-operation, of the 
residents of the town. 

My plan contemplates the erection of a building 
for the Free Public Library, which shall be a 
memorial to my mother. In designating the Free 
Public Library, I assume that there is no other insti- 
tution in the town the promotion of whose interest 
would so enlist the sympathies of all the people. 
Also, aside from the promptings of filial gratitude, 
it seems to me not unfitting that we keep in remem- 
brance those who, though best known in the 
domestic circle, trace their lineage to such Makers 
of New England as Rev. John Robinson, of Leyden. 

I, therefore, respectfully suggest that, if deemed 
expedient, you provide for the selection of a Com- 
mittee to confer with me at Boston in relation to 
the details of the project. 

Respectfully yours, 

Charles Larned. 

In accepting the proposition, it was unanimously 

Resolved, That the voters of Oxford heartily re- 
spond to the suggestion of Mr. Charles Larned, of 
Boston, and in pursuance thereof designate as a 

24 



Committee for conference Messrs. Walter D. Tyler, 
Franklin G. Daniels, and Alfred M. Chaffee. 

Resolved, That this Committee is instructed to 
communicate with Mr. Larned without delay, and 
hold itself in readiness to wait upon him at such 
time and place as he may indicate. 

Resolved, That the result of this conference, the 
expenses of which shall be borne by the town, 
should be embodied in a written report to be sub- 
mitted at a special meeting called by the Selectmen, 
as early as possible. 

This special meeting was called for the evening 
of 29 May, 1900, at which the Committee made the 
following 

Keport. 

The Committee appointed by the Town of 
Oxford at their annual meeting held April 2d, 
1900, to confer with Mr. Charles Larned, of Boston, 
Mass., in relation to a proposed gift to the town, 
have completed their labors and offer the following 
report : — 

The Committee waited upon Mr. Larned at his 
office in Boston on April 7th, and received the fol- 
lowing proposition from him, viz : — 

Mr. Larned wishes to cause to be erected in Oxford 
as a memorial to his mother a Free Public Library 
Building upon the following conditions : — 

The building shall be used as a Free Public 
Library Building for all time, and to be always 
known as the " Charles Larned Memorial." 

The cost of the building to be borne two-thirds 
by Mr. Larned and one-third by the town, and the 
cost to be from $15,000 to $18,000, exclusive of 
site. 

25 



The location to be central, with ample grounds, 
and the building to be set back from the street and 
the site to be acceptable to Mr. Larned, but to be 
provided by the town. 

The building to be of brick or stone, and to be 
constructed in good workmanlike manner. 

Your Committee, having talked with Mr. Larned 
concerning the best method of carrying out his 
ideas, offer, as a part of this report, the following 
resolution, viz. : — 

Resolved, That the town accept the proposition 
of Mr. Larned, and that a committee of three citi- 
zens of Oxford, consisting of John E. Kimball, 
Orrin F. Joslin, and Alfred M. Chaffee, be hereby 
appointed a Building Committee. 

It shall be the duty of this Committee to consider 
all practical locations for the building, to ascertain 
the cost of each and Mr. Larned's choice in the 
matter, and to report to the town at a special meet- 
ing to be called for that purpose, with their recom- 
mendations on the subject. 

It shall be the duty of this Committee to attend 
to the erection of the building and all other matters 
appertaining to the subject. 

Walter D. Tyler, ^j 

Alfred M. Chaffee, > Committee. 

Franklin G. Daniels, J 

Approved. Charles Larned. 

In the acceptance of this report it was voted to 
adopt the resolution incorporated therein, and that 
the Committee chosen report at an adjournment of 
this meeting to be held June 30 at 7.30 p.m. 

A Committee of three, consisting of C.I. Rawson, 
C. S. Lyman, and H. A. Larned, was appointed by 
the Chair to wait upon Mr. 0. F. Joslin, who had 

26 



expressed his willingness to give a site for the 
building, for which a vote of thanks was passed at 
the adjourned meeting held on the 30 June, 1900. 

In accordance with the above action the ad- 
journed meeting was held at the date specified, and, 
the report of the Building Committee on a site for 
the Charles Larned Memorial being called for, it 
was presented by the Chairman as follows : — 

To the Voters of Oxford : 

In pursuance of instructions coupled with the ap- 
pointment of a Building Committee at the special 
town meeting held on the 29 May, 1900, a careful 
and exhaustive examination of available locations 
for the proposed 

Charles Larned Memorial 

has been made in conjunction with Mr. Larned in 
person, and has resulted in reducing the question of 
selection to a choice between three eligible sites, 
to wit : the Hyde property, the White property, 
and the Cushman lot. 

Aside from the essential features of ample space 
and central location, the considerations which have 
focussed the attention of your Committee upon 
these three sites are that all, perhaps in varying 
degrees, are easily accessible, reasonably quiet, 
adapted to proper architectural effect, upon the 
main street, upon the right side of the street, and 
well shaded. 

The Hyde property, on the north-west corner of 
Main and Sigourney Streets, presents a frontage of 
about 180 feet on Main Street by 200 feet on 
Sigourney Street, and contains a two-story house 
with ells and barn. The price is $6,500. 

27 



The White property, near the Congregational 
church, consists of two lots, — a corner lot with a 
frontage of 109 feet on Main Street by 200 feet on 
Church Street, containing a dwelling and barn, also 
a lot of irregular form opposite the north-east corner 
of the old cemetery and contiguous to the first, 
with a frontage of 93 feet on Church Street, run- 
ning north 133 feet, where it narrows to 40 feet, 
and containing a tenement house. All this prop- 
erty can be bought for $3,000 ; or a part of the 
corner lot, without the buildings, measuring 109 
feet on Main Street and 109 feet on Church Street, 
for $1,500, on condition that the barn shall be 
moved a few feet to the west and made to front the 
east, at the town's expense. 

The Cushman lot, immediately north of Mrs. 
Cushman's house, may be described as a parallelo- 
gram, with the north-east corner 42 feet front by 
172 feet cut out : this leaves a frontage on Main 
Street of 88 feet, with a depth westward to the line 
of the High School lot of nearly 450 feet, and ap- 
proaching Avithin about 75 feet of Barton Street. 
The lot can be purchased for $1,200, and will cost 
the town nothing. 

As other elements than mere eligibility of a site 
for library purposes enter into the problem of se- 
lection, it has seemed to your Committee to accord 
more fully with the spirit of the instructions given 
not to attempt to pronounce upon the question of 
cost by recommending unconditionally a specific 
site, but rather to eliminate non-essential features, 
and so reduce the problem to manageable propor- 
tions, and thus hand it over to the voters hi the 
compact form which it now bears. 

The considerations pro and con touching each 
of the above-named locations have been carefully 
canvassed by the Committee, but it has been 

28 



thought best not to encumber this report by setting 
them forth in detail. 

In view of the fact, however, that we are called 
upon to act, not for ourselves alone, but for genera- 
tions yet unborn, and that probably no local ques- 
tion during all the years of the century now closing 
so vitally concerns the mental and moral well-being 
of the young people of Oxford, present and future, 
and while not unmindful of the limitations of our 
prerogatives as a committee appointed for a special 
purpose, it may not be improper to suggest that, as 
we have enjoyed and are now enjoying the bounty 
of a long line of liberal benefactors in the past, it 
becomes us, who are but temporary custodians of 
the welfare of others, to plan generously and well 
for the future Oxford in which we of to-day can be 
at best only a memory. 

Respectfully submitted, 

John E. Kimball, ) . 7 7 . 
^ -,7, T ( Jauildinq 

Orrin i. Joslin, > n ../ 

A »* n I Committee. 

Alfred M. Chaffee, J 

Oxford, Mass., 30 June, 1900. 

A motion was then made by Mr. Lawrence F. 
Kilty, that " we reconsider the vote whereby we 
voted to accept the proposition offered by Mr. C. 
Larned, at a previous session of this meeting." 
Carried by a vote of 76 to 28, whereupon it was 
voted to lay the report of the Building Committee 
on the table. 

Mr. Larned having in private generously inti- 
mated his willingness to allow his proposition of 
April, 1900, to remain open for action another year, 
which intimation was reaffirmed by a letter to the 
Committee dated at Cocoanut Grove, Fla., March 

29 



14, 1901, at the annual meeting held 1 April, 
1901, the subject reappeared in Article 16 of the 
Warrant, — " To see if the town will accept the 
propositions of Mr. Charles Larned and Mr. Orrin 
F. Joslin in relation to a Free Public Library Build- 
ing, and raise and appropriate money therefor, as 
petitioned for by John E. Kimball, Alfred M. 
Chaffee, and Orrin F. Joslin, or act thereon." 

Mr. Joslin's proposition is embodied in the fol- 
lowing memorandum : — 

I propose to convey to the Town of Oxford by 
warranty deed all that portion of the present 
Cushman lot lying north of a line from a point on 
the Highway about 88 feet south of the Newton 
line, running westerly about 450 feet to the Barber 
line and including the section to the south and west 
of the Newton Estate, about 42 x 272 feet, upon the 
following conditions, viz. : — 

The gift shall be held and occupied in perpetuity 
for a Free Public Library Building, or, if not all 
required for such building, the residue for a Free 
Public School Building. In case the Town prefers 
for such purpose some other site, I will give in lieu 
of the Cushman lot the sum of ($1,000) One Thou- 
sand Dollars. 

Orrin F. Joslin. 
Oxford, March 30, 1901. 

It was voted to accept the propositions of Mr. 
Charles Larned and Mr. Orrin F. Joslin, and to carry 
into effect their provisions. The same Building 
Committee was appointed, and the sum of $500 was 
raised and appropriated for their expenses. 

A special meeting of the voters was called for the 

30 



evening of 18 May, 1901, at which the following 
report was read and accepted : — 

Your Committee, having discharged its duties, 
submit the following report : — 

The Cushman Lot, about 88 feet front on Main 
Street and running back to the High School lot 
\yi acres, will cost the town absolutely nothing. 

The Cushman Farm, including the whole of the 
Cushman property, house and barn, between Mrs. 
Newton's and Mrs. Wheelock's, will cost the town 
$4,000. 

The Morgan Corner, including it and the Chaffee 
property, two houses and one barn, will cost the 
town $4,900. 

The Hyde Lot, house and barn, will cost the 
town $4,500. 

The White Lot, north of the Congregational 
church, two houses and one barn, will cost the town 
$2,000. _ 

The Sigourney Lot, 85 x 145 feet, opposite Town 
Hall, house and barn, will cost the town $3,000. 

O. F. Joslin. 
John E. Kimball. 
A. M. Chaffee. 

From these the Hyde lot was selected by the 
following ballot : — 

Whole number of votes cast, 152. 

Blank 1 

Sigourney Lot 1 

White Lot 3 

Cushman Farm 3 

Cushman Lot 32 

Morgan Lot 33 

Hyde Lot 79 

31 



and the Building Committee was authorized to 
make the purchase. 

It was then voted to sell the buildings, also to sell 
80 feet of land fronting Sigourney Street, with the 
house and barn. 

At a special meeting called for the evening of 
17 September, 1901, after a nearly unanimous vote 
refusing to borrow and appropriate the sum of 
$4,500 for the purchase of the aforesaid Hyde lot 
it was 

Voted, " To annul and revoke all acts and votes 
heretofore taken relative to a new building and site 
for a Library." 

The way was thus cleared for history to repeat 
itself, and accordingly the Warrant for the next 
Annual Town Meeting held on the 7 April, 1902, 
contained such Articles as the following : — 

Article 12. To hear the report of the Library 
Building Committee and act thereon. 

Article 13. To see what action the town will 
take in regard to the gifts of Mr. Charles Larned 
and Mr. Orrin F. Joslin for a Free Public Library. 

Article 14. To raise and appropriate a sum of 
money not exceeding Fifty-seven Hundred Dollars 
( $5700) to pay for the Hyde Lot as purchased by 
the Building Committee, as authorized by vote of 
the town at a Special Town Meeting held May 18, 
1901. 

Article 15. To raise and appropriate the sum of 
Eighteen Hundred Dollars ($1800) to build a Free 
Public Library, or act thereon etc. 



32 



The outcome was a new departure in the passage 
of two motions, both by Mr. Edwin Bartlett : — 

That the School Committee act in conjunction 
with the old Library Committee (sic), and confer 
with Mr. Charles Larned in relation to a Library 
and High School Building combined, and report at 
a special meeting to be called as soon as possible. 

also 

To authorize the Library Committee, J. E. Kimball, 
0. F. Joslin, A. M. Chaffee, and the School Commit- 
tee, acting jointly, to propose to Mr. Larned to allow 
his gift of $12,000 and accrued interest to be used 
in building a Union Building to contain a library 
and the high school, costing not to exceed $28,000. 

At the special meeting called for the evening of 
6 May, 1902, "to hear the report of the joint 
Committee in regard to a Union Building to accom- 
modate a High School and a Library," the report was 
as follows : — 

Oxford, Mass., May 6, 1902. 
Your joint Committee appointed at our last Annual 
Town Meeting to confer with Mr. Charles Larned 
in regard to using his gift and accrued interest in 
the construction of a Union Building to accommo- 
date a Library and High School, having discharged 
its duty, submit the following 

Report. 

On Saturday, April 12, Edwin N. Bartlett, 
David Glass, O. F. Joslin, and A. M. Chaffee, went to 
Boston on the 8.58 train from Worcester, going 
direct to the office of Mr. Larned. 

After a careful consideration of the subject Mr. 

33 



Larned signified his willingness to write a letter 
setting forth his views, which letter reads as fol- 
lows : — 



Boston, Mass., April 15, 1902. 

Mr. A. M. Chaffee, 
Oxford, Mass. 

Dear Sir, — Replying to your request that I write 
you a letter defining my position on a proposed 
building for library and school combined, I beg 
leave to say that a combination building for library 
and school for the town of Oxford has to my mind 
many serious objections ; but, should the voters of 
Oxford decide that a combination building is what 
they want, my offer of $12,000, with interest 
thereon, I am willing should be used as part payment 
for such a building, which you tell me may cost 
about $28,000. 

The Building Committee to remain as named in 
my original proposition. 

Trusting that herein I have covered all the points 
of your inquiry, I remain, 

Very truly yours, 

Charles Larned. 

On Monday, April 14th, your joint Committee met 
at the residence of Mr. 0. F. Joslin to discuss the 
matter, and after careful consideration of the subject 
it was decided that your Committee make no recom- 
mendations, but desire that the voters should carefully 
consider the propositions and decide the question as 
it seems in their wisdom best. 

On April 18th your Committee received a further 
communication from Mr. Larned, as follows : — 



34 



Boston, Mass., April 18, 1902. 
Mr. A. M. Chaffee, 

Oxford, Mass. 

Dear Sir, — You doubtless have my letter of 
April 15. I would like to say in addition that, 
should the town vote to build a library building 
on the Hyde lot and a school building on another 
lot, I would be pleased to donate $1,000 toward the 
school building. In that case the town would 
have full control of erection of school building. 

Yours truly, 

Charles Larned. 

In conclusion the Committee would recommend 
that, whatever action the town may take in the 
premises, that a vote of thanks be passed expressive 
of their appreciation of Mr. Charles Larned's and 
Mr. 0. F. Joslin's most generous offers. 

All of which is most respectfully submitted, 

O. F. Joslin. 
A. M. Chaffee. 
John E. Kimball. 
David Glass. 
Johnson R. Woodward. 
Edwin N. Bartlett. 

It was voted to accept the report of the joint 
Committee, including the two letters from Mr. 
Charles Larned, and that the same be spread upon 
the records of the town. 

At this meeting it was also voted that the Select- 
men and Treasurer be directed to borrow a sum not 
to exceed Fifty-seven Hundred Dollars ($5700) to 
pay for the Hyde lot, purchased by the Building 

35 



Committee, as authorized by vote of the town at a 
Special Town Meeting held 18 May, 1901. 

Under another article, that they be directed to 
turn over the license fees for this year to the 
Library Building Committee. 

(This "tainted money" was subsequently turned 
back into the treasury.) 

And, finally, "that the town accept the gifts of 
Mr. Charles Larned and Mr. Orrin F. Joslin in re- 
lation to a Free Public Library, — said gifts, Twelve 
Thousand Dollars ($12,000), with interest, from 
Mr. Larned, and One Thousand Dollars ($1,000) 
from Mr. Joslin, coupled with conditions which 
they have stated in writing," — with a vote of thanks 
to these gentlemen, with acceptance, thanks, and 
acknowledgment for Mr. Larned' s gift of One 
Thousand Dollars ($1,000) for a High School 
Building. 

In the accepted belief that, despite the contradic- 
tions of two years' experience the final vote of 
acceptance meant what it purported to mean, the 
policy of obstruction seeming to have fairly ex- 
hausted itself, from this time the enterprise pro- 
gressed steadily and without interruption to its final 
accomplishment. Henceforth the Building Com- 
mittee was left to prosecute its work unmolested, 
and at the Annual Town Meeting held on 6 April, 
1903, reported progress as follows : — 

Perhaps no report from this Committee is called 
for till our work is done. When that period ar- 
rives, we hope the work will speak for itself. Con- 
scious of the fact, however, that the public is deeply 

36 



interested, we have deemed it best to report prog- 
ress coupled with some considerations touching its 
financial aspect. 

One year ago, as you remember, preliminary 
sketches by several architects were submitted, which 
led to the choice of Cutting, Carlton & Cutting of 
Worcester, who proceeded at once to embody our 
plan in working drawings. On the completion of 
plan and specifications the season was too far ad- 
vanced to justify an attempt to erect the building 
before winter. The time was improved, however, 
in devising improvements in the plan, selecting ma- 
terials, and seeking out the right men. The con- 
tract was finally, in January, awarded to Rankin & 
Woodside of Worcester, for the sum of $21,100 
and the stone and brick on the lot. Meanwhile the 
buildings and other property had been sold and re- 
moved, and the site placed in readiness for the 
builders, who began work about two weeks ago. 

It will be remembered that a printed statement 
submitted to the town in 1902 represented the 
" Balance " over and above available funds " needed 
to complete the library building" to be $1,800, the 
members of the Building Committee being person- 
ally pledged to be responsible for any excess in cost 
over $18,000. 

A letter just received from Mr. Larned may mod- 
ify these conditions by relieving the town of the 
necessity of raising even the $1,800, and placing at 
our disposal for better and more complete equip- 
ment the funds already on deposit. 

The letter is as follows : — 

Boom 1025 Tremont Building, Boston, Mass., 

April 3, 1903. 

To the Voters of Oxford : 

Gentlemen, — Whereas the town has generously 
secured and purchased a more expensive and eli- 

37 



gible lot for the Free Public Library building than 
was at first anticipated, said lot being devoted ex- 
clusively to the library building, and on which said 
building is now in process of erection, and 
whereas said library building will, when completed, 
cost largely in excess of the original sum men- 
tioned, $18,000, after due consideration I have de- 
cided, with the consent and approval of the town, 
to modify my original proposition, to wit : — 

To assume and bear the entire expense and cost 
of the library building up to the sum of Twenty- 
four Thousand Dollars ($24,000), thereby enabling 
the town, through the Building Committee, to fur- 
nish and equip the library in a more liberal manner 
than they would otherwise feel like doing. 

Very truly yours, 

Charles Labned. 

Perhaps the Building Committee might consider 
its duty discharged when the building was com- 
pleted, and leave the matter of equipment and 
adornment of grounds to other hands ; but the 
comprehensive plan upon which we have labored 
covers every detail inside and outside the building, 
all of which should be harmoniously wrought . out, 
and it would be more in accordance with the fitness 
of things, not to say our own views, to turn over 
the property finished, equipped, and ready for use. 

Therefore, we submit the following recommenda- 
tions : — 

I. That the proposition embodied in the accom- 
panying letter of Mr. Charles Larned be accepted 
with appropriate acknowledgments. 

II. That the proceeds of the sale of buildings 
and other property on the library premises be ap- 

38 



propriated to the grading and laying out of the 
grounds. 

III. That all funds in the town treasury or on 
deposit available for library purposes be turned 
over to the Building Committee, to be used, or such 
portion thereof as may be necessary, to properly 
furnish and equip the new building. 

Building 
John E. Kimball, Committee 
0. F. Joslin, > of the 

A. M. Chaffee, | Charles Lamed 
J Memorial. 

Oxford, Mass., 6 April, 1903. 

The report was supplemented by the statement 
that the property on the Hyde lot had been sold for 
nearly $700, and that the Building Committee this 
day had voted to refund to the town the $2,250 
license money set apart for their use on 6 May, 
1902. 

By a unanimous vote the report of the Building 
Committee was adopted, and thanks tendered to Mr. 
Charles Larned, of Boston, for his generous additional 
gift, which the Town Clerk was instructed to enter 
upon the records and communicate to Mr. Larned. 

At the Annual Town Meeting held on 3 April, 
1905, after the completion and dedication of the 
building, the following resolutions were unanimously 
adopted : — 

Resolved, That the inhabitants of the Town of 
Oxford desire to place upon record an expression of 
their appreciation and gratitude for the munificent 
gift of the 



Charles Larned Memorial 

recently dedicated to the use of the Free Public 
Library. 

It will stand through the years to come a monu- 
ment of rare public spirit guided by wisdom and 
intelligent foresight, while presenting to old and 
young an ever-abiding object-lesson inspiring loy- 
alty and filial gratitude and beckoning to higher 
planes of thought and life. 

While thus voicing the sentiment of every resi- 
dent of Oxford, coupled with the hope that the gen- 
erous Donor may long be spared to witness and 
enjoy the fruits of his noble benefaction, we trust 
he may find satisfaction and reward in the reflection 
that such acts are not bounded by the span of a 
single life, but are self-perpetuating and immortal. 

Resolved, That the claim upon Mr. Charles 
Larned for $1,000, pledged for a High School 
Building to forestall the adoption of a plan whose 
unwisdom is now universally recognized, is hereby 
voluntarily relinquished. 



40 



LAYING OF THE CORNER-STONE. 

Excavation having been made and the founda- 
tions completed, the 20 May, 1903, was designated 
for the ceremony of Laying the Corner-stone. An 
invitation had been extended to the Masonic 
Grand Lodge of Massachusetts to take charge of 
this ceremonial, whose acceptance and willing ser- 
vice were highly appreciated by the citizens and 
invited guests. Weather conditions were most 
favorable, and when at 2.30 p.m. the representa- 
tives of the Grand Lodge, consisting of Most 
Worshipful Grand Master Baalis Sanford and fif- 
teen associates, escorted by the local lodge and led 
by the Pulaski Cornet Band of Webster, reached the 
site of the building, they were welcomed by a con- 
course whose number and enthusiasm were in keep- 
ing with the significance of the occasion. 

The exercises were opened by the following 
hymn sung by the Worcester Masonic Quartet : — 

Great Architect of earth and heaven, 

By time nor space confined, 
Enlarge our love to comprehend 

Our brethren, all mankind. 

Where'er we are, whate'er we do, 

Thy presence let us own ; 
Thine eye, all-seeing, marks our deeds, 

To Thee all thoughts are known, 

41 



While Nature's works and Science's laws 

We labor to reveal, 
Oh! be our duty done to Thee 

With fervency and zeal. 

With Faith our guide, and humble Hope, 

Warm Charity and Love, 
May all, at last, be raised to share 

Thy perfect light above. 

The formal request for the service of the order 
was extended by the Chairman of the Building 
Committee in these words : 

Most Worshipful Grand Master, Quests and 
Friends : 

A former resident of this historic town, actuated 
by a sentiment of filial gratitude and regard for the 
well-being of the people of his early home, is erect- 
ing upon this spot a permanent abode for an insti- 
tution which is typical of New England community 
life in the twentieth century. 

It means much to us, it is even more significant 
to the nation, the corner-stone of whose fabric rests 
upon the intelligence of the masses and whose insti- 
tutions open up the avenues of wealth to the private 
citizen, native and foreign born alike, at the same 
time prompting the consecration of wealth to no- 
blest uses. 

We are here to-day publicly to inaugurate the 
enterprise so auspiciously begun ; and in recognition 
of your ancient and honorable order, whose tradi- 
tions are linked with some of the most notable 
structures of the Old and New Worlds, past and 
present, we have invited you, sir, and your asso- 
ciates, as representatives of that order, to come hither 
and, in the presence of an appreciative public in 

42 



whose interest the work is done, to officiate, accord- 
ing to established forms, in laying the corner-stone 
of the 

Charles Larned Memorial, 
the permanent home of the 

Free Public Library of Oxford. 

The response of the Grand Master was as fol- 
lows : 

Mr. Chairman and Brethren : 

From time immemorial it has been the custom of 
the Ancient and Honorable Fraternity of Free and 
Accepted Masons, when requested so to do, to 
lay, with ancient forms, the corner-stones of build- 
ings, both public and private, devoted to learning, 
to benevolence, to religion, and for the purposes of 
the administration of justice and free government 
and the commemoration of great and humane bene- 
factions to mankind. 

And we are assembled here to-day to lay this 
corner-stone in accordance with our law ; and thus re- 
newedly testifying our reverence and love for Him 
whom we worship as the Giver and Guardian of our 
souls, and our respect, loyalty, and allegiance to the 
laws of our country, we shall proceed in accordance 
with ancient usage. 

Let us first give our attention to the contempla- 
tion of a lesson from the " Book of the Law," and 
in accordance with the usual Masonic custom at 
the commencement of every undertaking unite with 
our Reverend Grand Chaplain in an invocation to 
the Great Architect of worlds, that his mercy and 
favor may be with us, and with the whole brother- 
hood of man. 



43 



The following selections with responses by the 
brethren were then read by Rev. Albert Tyler, Chap- 
lam of the Oxford Lodge : — 

Chaplain. Bless the Lord, my soul. Lord 
my God, thou art very great ; thou art clothed with 
honor and majesty. Psalm civ. 1. 

Brethren. But thou, Lord, shalt endure for 
ever ; and thy remembrance unto all generations. 
Psalm cii. 12. 

Chaplain. Thou shalt arise, and have mercy 
upon Zion : for the time to favor her, yea, the set 
time, is come. Psalm cii. 13. 

Brethren. For thy servants take pleasure in 
her stones, and favor the dust thereof. Psalm 
cii. 14. 

Chaplain. Where wast thou when I laid the 
foundations of the earth? declare, if thou hast 
understanding. Job xxxviii. 4. 

Brethren. Who hath laid the measures thereof, 
if thou knowest? or who hath stretched the line 
upon it? Job xxxviii. 5. 

Chaplain. Whereupon are the foundations 
thereof fastened? or who laid the corner-stone 
thereof? Job xxxviii. 6. 

Brethren. When the morning stars sang to- 
gether, and all the sons of God shouted for joy ? 
Job xxxviii. 7. 

Chaplain. Is it time for you, ye, to dwell in 
your ceiled houses, and this house lie waste ? Thus 
saith the Lord of hosts : Go up to the mountain, 
and bring wood, and build the house; and I will 

44 



take pleasure in it, and I will be glorified, saith the 
Lord. Haggai i. 4, 7, 8. 

Brethren. Ye also, as lively stones, are built 
up a spiritual house, an holy priesthood, to offer up 
spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God. 1 Peter ii. 5. 
Chaplain. Therefore thus saith the Lord God, 
Behold, I lay in Zion for a foundation a stone, a 
tried stone, a precious corner-stone, a sure founda- 
tion : he that believeth shall not make haste. Judg- 
ment also will I lay to the line and righteousness to 
the plummet. Isaiah xxviii. 16, 17. 

Brethren. Open to me the gates of righteous- 
ness : I will go into them, and I will praise the 
Lord. Psalm, cxviii. 19. 

Honor and majesty are before him, strength and 
beauty are in his sanctuary. Psalm xcvi. 6. 

Chaplain. Except the Lord build the house, 
they labor in vain that build it : except the Lord 
keep the city, the watchman waketh but in vain. 
Psalm cxxvii. 1. 

Brethren. One generation shall praise thy 
works to another, and shall declare thy mighty 
acts. They shall abundantly utter the memory of 
thy great goodness, and shall sing of thy righteous- 
ness. Psalm cxlv. 4, 7. 

Chaplain. come, let us worship and bow 
down: let us kneel before the Lord our Maker. 
Psalm xcv. 6. 

Brethren. For he is our God ; and we are the 
people of his pasture, and the sheep of his hand. 
Psalm xcv. 7. 

Chaplain. Sing unto the Lord, bless his name ; 



45 



show forth his salvation from day to day. Psalm. 
xcvi. 2. 

Brethren. All thy works shall praise thee, 
Lord; and thy saints shall bless thee. Psalm 
cxlv. 10. 

Yea, they shall sing in the ways of the Lord : for 
great is the glory of the Lord. Psalm cxxxviii. 5. 

Prayer was offered by the Grand Chaplain, Rev. 
Charles A. Skinner, after which a list of articles 
deposited in the copper receptacle enclosed in the 
corner-stone was read by the Grand Treasurer, 
Henry G. Fay, as follows : — 

1. Documentary History of the Charles Earned Memorial. 

2. Sealed Package from Mr. Larned, the Donor of the 
Building. 

3. A Copy of the Town Eeport for 1890, containing a His- 
tory of the Free Public Library. 

4. Catalogue of the Free Public Library — 1895. 

5. Daniels' " History of Oxford." 

6. Freeland's " Records of Oxford." 

7. The Assessors' Report for 1902. 

8. Town Report for 1903, with the Present Board of Select- 
men and the Building Committee. 

9. Oxford and Auburn Directory — 1903. 

10. Copy of The Mid-Weekly for Wednesday, 11 August, 1897. 

11. History of Masonry in Oxford from 1795 to 1903. 

12. Collection of Forty or Fifty Photographs and Local 
Views in Oxford, including a View of the Foundations of 
this Building. 

13. Miscellaneous Local Documents, Business Cards, etc. 

14. The McKinley Memorial. 

15. Copies of the St. Louis Globe-Democrat and the St. 
Louis Republic, containing an account of the Inauguration 
Ceremonies of "The Louisiana Purchase Exposition." 



46 



16. A Set of Silver and Minor Proof Coins for 1903, from 
the United States Mint at Philadelphia, Pa. 

17. Specimens of Fractional Currency issued during the 
War of the Eebellion. 

18. Copies of The Worcester Telegram and The Worcester Spy 
for 20 May, 1903. 

The corner-stone in place, the imposing ritual 
was continued by the Application of the Jewels, the 
Libation of Corn by the Deputy Grand Master, 
J. Gilman Waite, — 

When once of old in Israel, 

Our earthly brethren wrought with toil, 

Jehovah's blessing on them fell 

In showers of Corn, and Wine, and Oil. — 

the Libation of Wine by the Senior Grand Warden, 
John A. McKim,— 

When there a shrine to Him alone 
They built, with worship, sin to foil, 

On threshold and on corner-stone, 

They poured out Corn, and Wine, and Oil. — 

the Libation of Oil by the Junior Grand Warden, 
William H. H. Soule, — 

And we have come, fraternal bands, 

With joy and pride, and prosperous spoil, 

To honor Him by votive hands 

With streams of Corn, and Wine, and Oil.— 

an Invocation by the Grand Chaplain, the Presen- 
tation of Working Tools to the Architect, and the 
closing address by the Grand Master : — 

47 



May this undertaking be conducted and com- 
pleted by the craftsmen according to the grand 
plan in Peace, Harmony, and Brotherly Love ; and 
by the skill and taste of the architect may an edifice 
here arise which shall render new service and honor 
to this ancient town. 

May it be blessed with Wisdom in the plan, 
Strength in the execution, Beauty in the adorn- 
ment ; and may the Sun of Righteousness enlighten 
those who build, the generous Donor, and the com- 
munity for whose benefit this structure shall be 
erected. 

Proclamation was duly made by the Grand Mar- 
shal Frank W. Mead, and after the singing of the 
hymn, — 

Lord! Thou hast been our dwelling-place, 
Through years of old and ages past; 

And still Thy laws we seek to trace. 
On Thee our trust we humbly cast, 

Father of Light! Builder Divine ! 

Behold our work, and make it Thine, — 

the address of the day was delivered by Rev. 
William H. Rider, D.D., of Gloucester, Mass. 

As this address by force of circumstances was 
largely impromptu, it cannot be reproduced, but was 
listened to with close attention and deep interest. 

The flowering beauty of the opening spring-time 
suggested to the speaker the more beautiful sen- 
timent of maternal and filial love from which 
emanated this project and this occasion. By a 
natural transition it was declared most fitting that 
a fraternity seeking light and "More Light," thus 

48 



leading to the Source of all knowledge, should par- 
ticipate in the consecration of a building sacred to 
tender memories and all best thought and life. 

Familiar as is the dedication of libraries in New 
England, we shall never see too many of them. 

The victories of the twentieth century are to 
be intellectual, victories of science and education. 
The war-drums are muffled, and a new song, the 
song of peace and good will to men, is heard in 
the land. The prophecy of this peace is to be 
fulfilled by just such buildings as this. 

There is nothing to be compared with the lasting 
effects of a public library in a community. It is 
the privilege of everybody in such community to 
keep company with the ages. 

Not one of all the marvelous things that have 
come to us through modern improvements — the 
trolley car, the electric light, the telephone, the 
telegraph — is to be compared in real value to a 
good book. It transformed Abraham Lincoln from 
an ignorant boy into the First American. 

Books are light-houses erected in the great sea of 
time. He who gives, gives also guides for finest 
conduct and inspires with greatest hope. 

In conclusion, the speaker made among other 
practical suggestions this excellent recommendation, 
that the library which was to be here installed 
should be made complete in some one fine, be it a 
department of history, of science, or of literature, so 
that it should be known far and wide as possessing 
an exceptionally rich, if not exhaustive, collection in 
that special department. 

The singing of " America " by the assemblage 

49 



and the benediction pronounced by the Grand 
Chaplain concluded the exercises of a day memo- 
rable in the history of the town. 

In response to the following invitation, at the 
hour appointed the auditorium of Memorial Hall 
was filled with an expectant assemblage made up 
of present and former residents of Oxford, invited 
guests from all parts of Massachusetts and neigh- 
boring States, including names prominent in literary, 
professional, and public life. 



50 



DEDICATION. 
Stratum 

aai45IAJ[ M02MiaOH A88IHAJD 
- In mrmori} of Cttlariaaa Hobiusim Canted - 
rtoanidoH s< 

to tlj? «0p nf ti|F 
vi5ioa 



, JEr^ei p«Wfev ICitearg 






(Mori, iiaaaarlttB^ttH, 

3«38urioB8geM ^lolxO 'to ^bameJ 8Bno|.,Tt81 r lrtqA P£ 

brill taki!tf&K? at 

aaawaozaa 
rnt Hfonwoag, 5 (!i)rtnb*r,^90^j at 1:30 n'riork ». m. 

moil 

Sty* Jfonnr of %^&tf^sM<m^W*-mn**t*& 

bnsIIoH 



3tolftt £. Kimball 
<©rrm 3F. Snalm r 

I dommitti'c, 

Alfr*b iJL Olijaffitt J 



fit 



CLARISS 



LARNED 




BORN 

Srhter^^BU Vermont 

MA^jjpED 

29 April, 1817, J<M iLuHierh of €|Hrd, Massachusetts 



through 

Charles/' Elijah, 5 Benjamin, 4 Peter,- 1 Isaac, 2 

from 

Rev. John 1 Robinson, of Leyden 

Holland 



DEDICATION. 
Stye 

of the 

- 3ln mrmorjj of (Mariana Hobinsmt Canted - 

tfl tl|? «Bf nf tlye 

3xn ftohltr ffitbrarg 

(JMorfc, ifltaaarfiuaetia, 

brill tak? plac? at 

HfottMnal ifall 

0tt OTrim?0flag, 5 ($rtob*r, 19114, at 1:311 a'tlatk p. m. 

Atoreaa bg f atu Qlarroil i. Mrigljt. 
STif^ honor of grntr prw^nr? t« raBprrtfttUtf rennosfro. 



John IE. fttmball ' 
©ran 3F. Justin ► 
Alfnrt ii. Oltjaffi* J 



61 



Sutlnhtn, 
(ttntmnUiee. 



IrMratum 

Program. 
5 (irtote, 1004. 

invocation. 

Vocal Music, "Jehovah Reigns." Mendelssohn. 

Double Quartet. 

Untroonctors. 
IResponses. 

"Hon. Ira M. Barton, Founder of the Free Public Library." 
EDMUND M. BARTON, American Antiquarian Society. 

"Public Libraries in Massachusetts." 

C. B. TlLLINGHAST, Chairman of Free Public Library Commission of 

Massachusetts. 

"The Public Library as a Public Educator." 

SAMUEL S. GREEN, Free Public Library of Worcester. 

"The Robinson Family." 

Hon. David I. ROBINSON, President of the Robinson Family Genealogical 
and Historical Association. 

Vocal Music, "The Old Arm-chair," Eliza Cook, music by Henry Russell. 
Oxford Male Quartet. 

H)eli\>erp ot H)eeo ano Iftess 

To Town Authorities — To Trustees of Library. 

H>eoicatorp prater. 

Rev. Charles M. Carpenter. 

Booress. 

Hon. Carroll D. Wright. 

Singing, "America." 
The Audience, led by the Quartet. 

Benediction* 

52 



The exercises conformed to the above program, 
John E. Kimball, Esq., Chairman of the Building 
Committee presiding. 

Chairman : The divine blessing will be invoked 
by Rev. I. A. Mesler, of Oxford. 

Invocation. 

We are very grateful, our Heavenly Father, for 
that which brings us together to-day. We recog- 
nize the fact that every good gift and every perfect 
gift cometh from thee. We pray for thy blessing 
upon it. We pray for thy blessing upon all the ex- 
ercises of this day. May the Holy Spirit rest upon 
those who shall speak to us, and guide in every 
thought and every word ! In Jesus' name we ask it. 
Amen. 

Singing. 

Jehovah Reigns. 

Chairman : 

Ladies and Gentlemen, — In behalf of the 
Building Committee of the Charles Larned Memo- 
rial I extend to you a cordial welcome and thanks 
for the interest manifested by your presence. 
There are scores, perhaps hundreds, who would like 
to be here, but cannot, and I am constrained to 
read, in their behalf, a sample letter of regret expres- 
sive of the sentiments of those who, from age or 
infirmity, distance, or other engagements can be 
with us to-day only in spirit : — 

53 



I am very grateful for the invitation so kindly 
sent me the 25th to attend the exercises in Memo- 
rial Hall October 5, and regret that I cannot be 
present at that time. Certainly, my native town is 
to be congratulated that the generosity of her pub- 
lic-spirited son — Mr. Charles Larned — has taken 
such a beautiful form, one which not only adds at- 
traction to her main street, but which will furnish 
her residents pleasure and profit so long as the 
memorial shall stand. May it be a "joy forever!" 

It was a happy thought of Mr. Larned to asso- 
ciate his mother's name with the building, and I trust 
this silent witness of a son's filial love and respect 
will be a lesson to all the young people who fre- 
quent the Library, and be an aid in making them 
also noble sons and daughters. 

Friends, we have met to dedicate to public uses 
a building typical of what is best in New England 
civilization, — filial reverence and gratitude, intelli- 
gence and character in the masses, and public spirit, 
which is but another name for patriotism. 

It is not for us to know what tender memories 
and cherished associations are built into this me- 
morial temple, imparting a touch of peculiar grace to 
this happy combination of utility and beauty. That 
belongs to the sacred privacy of the domestic circle, 
which we may not invade; but we do know the 
value of such sentiments in molding character and 
shaping destiny, not alone of individuals, but of 
nations; we do know that loyalty in the home 
begets loyalty to the State, the logical outcome of 
which is individual and social betterment. 

This simple ceremonial may fade from the mem- 

54 



ory and be forgotten ; methods and usages will 
change, grow old, and be superseded by that which 
is better, but the lessons of yonder structure will 
deepen with the years, they can never become obso- 
lete, for they are vital to our continuance as a people, 
and, happily, in their very nature are self-perpetu- 
ating. 

The conditions which render this gift timely and 
most acceptable are the growth of more than a gen- 
eration. A flourishing Free Public Library has long 
been the protege and pride of the people. Oxford 
has been fortunate in her benefactors ! We con- 
gratulate the recipients of Mr. Carnegie's bounty, 
and all honor to that broad philanthropy which has 
given us a new lesson in the uses of great wealth, 
while doing so much to cement the brotherhood 
of the nations ! But we count ourselves more fortu- 
nate. Our benefactors are a to the manner born" 
and bred among us, and their benefactions are evi- 
dence not only of successful endeavor and generous 
impulses, but of affection and gratitude as well. 
Especially is this true of the honored Founder of 
our Free Public Library, who in his will remem- 
bered the inhabitants of his native town by a gift 
for that purpose "as an inadequate return for the 
kindness and patronage of their fathers" and it 
will be a special pleasure to hear a word from the 
representative of Hon. Ira M. Barton in the person 
of his son, Edmund M. Barton, of Worcester. 



55 



Mr. Barton: 

Mr. Chairman, — My duty is strictly filial, it 
seems to me, to-day. On beautiful Oxford plain 
there were born into the family of which my 
honored father was the head four sons and one 
daughter; while Worcester was the birthplace of 
three sons and one daughter. Among the papers of 
the first-born — William Sumner Barton, born in 
Oxford, Sept. 30, 1824 — is a brief sketch of the 
founder of this library, to which I call your atten- 
tion during the few moments allowed me. 

The Hon. Ira Moore Barton, of Worcester, first 
named Ira, was born in Oxford, Oct. 25, 1796, and 
in 1839, by act of the General Court, was authorized 
to take the additional name of Moore in memory of 
his revered maternal grandmother, Dorothy Moore, 
and of his great-great-grandfather Moore, the first 
magistrate of his native town. He was a grandson 
of Dr. Stephen Barton, who was born at Sutton, 
June 10, 1740. Dr. Barton's father and mother, 
Edmund and Anna Flynt Barton, were married in 
Salem, April 9, 1739, and probably moved to Sutton 
soon afterward. Mr. Barton graduated with high 
honors at Brown University in 1819, and at the 
Cambridge Law School in 1822. He practised law 
in Oxford from 1822 to 1834, and was representa- 
tive from that town during the years 1830 to 1832, 
inclusive. In 1833-34 he represented the county 
of Worcester in the State Senate. He removed to 
Worcester in 1834, and in 1836 was appointed by 
Governor Everett judge of probate for Worcester 
County. In 1840 he was chosen one of the electors 

56 



for President in the famous Harrison or log-cabin 
campaign. He resigned his judgeship in 1844, and 
in 1846 represented the then town of Worcester in 
the legislature. Judge Barton continued the prac- 
tice of his profession until 1849, when he visited 
Europe in pursuit of much-needed rest and recrea- 
tion. Upon his return in 1850 he resumed his 
office practice only, finding leisure during the inter- 
vals of business for the indulgence of his literary, 
historical, and antiquarian tastes. He was an active 
member and for many years a councilor of the 
American Antiquarian Society. He died very sud- 
denly at his home in Worcester, July 18, 1867. 

I submit also the following character picture by 
one who knew him intimately : " Judge Barton was 
distinguished for purity, simplicity, and integrity of 
character; and as a public servant, in numerous 
offices of trust and responsibility, his conduct was 
marked by signal ability, fidelity, and success. He 
was eminently the accomplished lawyer, the upright 
magistrate, the enlightened patriotic citizen ; and 
the community which, through a long and busy life, 
he has benefited and honored, will hold in grateful 
remembrance his services and his virtues. He has 
been described as a man of very striking personal 
appearance, with tall and commanding figure, fine 
head and Websterian eyes. He showed something 
of the Roman mould in his aspect, which was well 
reflected in his character." 

The tributes paid by Mr. George F. Daniels in 
his History of Oxford and by Samuel Foster Haven, 
LL.D., in his Report of the Council of the American 

57 



Antiquarian Society, read Oct. 21, 1867, may well 
be had in remembrance. 

While this beautiful memorial appeals strongly 
to the gratitude of all, the surviving children of 
the founder may lay claim to a special cause for 
thankfulness to the wise and generous giver. 

Chairman : The Free Public Library Commis- 
sion has achieved an enviable reputation in placing 
Massachusetts in the forefront of States on either 
side of the Atlantic in free library facilities for the 
people. We hoped to listen to its chairman to-day, 
but instead the following letter comes to hand this 
morning : — 

Free Public Library Commission 

of 

Massachusetts. 

Oct. 4, 1904. 

John E. Kimball, Esq., Chairman, etc. : 

My dear Mr. Kimball,-— Though it will be im- 
practicable for me to accept your kind invitation to 
participate in the dedicatory services of the Charles 
Larned Memorial, I wish to express through you 
my appreciation of the gift which has come to your 
people and which enriches the Commonwealth. 

I have known something of the sweet spirit the 
giver has shown in his desire to provide a building 
which shall be a source of inspiration and pride to 
the present and future citizens of his native town. 

Similar gifts are not uncommon in Massachusetts. 
They bear witness to the growing sentiment that 
the library, supplementing the public school, adds 

58 



to the pleasures and refinement of the home, the 
happiness and prosperity of the people, and the 
civic virtues which insure good citizenship and pure 
government. 

All honor to Mr. Larned, a modest and philan- 
thropic citizen, who, from the results of a lifetime 
of mercantile honor and thrift, provides a chaste, 
beautiful, and permanent home for the literary treas- 
ures that tend to perpetuate and increase the wis- 
dom and intelligence which are the heritage of New 
England culture. 

Yours most cordially, 

C. B. TlLLINGHAST, 

Chairman, 
Free Public Library Commission. 

Fortunately, however, we have another represen- 
tative of the Commission in our neighbor of the 
Free Public Library of Worcester. He can tell us 
all about Libraries and the Library Commission, for, 
wherever they are in evidence, we are quite sure to 
see or hear the name of, Samuel S. Green. 

Mr. Green : 

Mr. President, Ladies and Gentlemen, — It is 
my first duty and my pleasure to greet you in be- 
half of the libraries of the Commonwealth. In 
1890, when the Free Public Library Commission 
was established, the record of Massachusetts had 
been most honorable when compared with that of 
any other State. But still there were one hundred 
and three towns which at that time had no public 
library. I am able to say to you to-day that there 

59 



is not remaining in this State a single town that 
has not a public library. All these towns sym- 
pathize with you to-day as you come here to dedi- 
cate this beautiful and convenient building, for 
which you are indebted to the munificence of the 
venerable gentleman who sits here upon the plat- 
form. In the name of the Public Library Commis- 
sion of the Commonwealth, in behalf of the libraries 
of this State, in behalf of its whole people, I thank 
him for what Mr. Tillinghast says he has done, — 
" enriching the Commonwealth." 

I must also greet you, ladies and gentlemen, in 
behalf of the library of the principal town in this 
county. Please accept of the hospitalities of the 
Free Public Library of Worcester, and I will add 
with Mr. Barton, the librarian, and Colonel Wright, 
a member of the Council, that I also, as a member 
of the Council, extend to you a cordial welcome to 
use the library of the American Antiquarian Society. 

You have asked me, Mr. President, to speak upon 
public libraries as educational institutions. It is not 
only in their connections with colleges and schools 
that libraries exert an educational influence. I sup- 
pose, when I speak of them as instruments of value 
in connection with formal educational institutions, 
you wish me to speak mainly of their usefulness to 
the public schools, even though this town has the 
name of one of the great universities of the world. 
But a word before I do this. This is a town of 
farms. Is it not true that the best farmers 
here are those who attend institutes, read agricult- 
ural papers, and make themselves conversant with 



60 



agricultural literature? What are you doing when 
you do this thing? Why, you are simply educating 
yourselves by adding to your own experience as 
farmers and to the results of experience which has 
been given to you by your fathers and neighbors 
the experience of other men engaged in similar 
pursuits as recorded in books, — the experience often 
of men who have had rare opportunities for experi- 
ment and investigation, and the results of whose 
researches it is of the greatest value for you to 
become acquainted with. What an educational in- 
fluence, then, Mr. President, may a library exert in 
a town if the farmers of the town read papers and 
magazines, United States and Massachusetts Agri- 
cultural Reports, and books treating of the various 
departments of agriculture! What a blessing a 
library may be if the people use this kind of books, 
and if they are provided for them in sufficient num- 
bers in the town! 

There is manufacturing in Oxford. Suppose for 
an instant that everybody connected with a large 
shop — the proprietor, the manager, the foreman, and 
the workmen — were all readers ; suppose they made 
it, all of them, their business to become acquainted 
with the principles of science which underlie the 
processes which they are engaged in performing 
every day ; supposing they paid especial attention 
to the literature of the particular occupation in which 
they are engaged, — can you doubt for an instant 
that the products of that shop would be better or 
that instructed managers and informed workmen 
would do better work, that there would be more in- 

61 



ventions, and that the value of the work of all would 
be so much increased that higher wages and salaries 
would be commanded? 

But, Mr. President, I suppose that you wish me to 
speak especially of the connection of libraries with 
public schools. Supposing a library affords especial 
privileges to teachers, allows them to take a con- 
siderable number of books which they may need in 
preparing themselves for school exercises ; supposing 
the teacher is allowed to take a still larger number 
of books to be used in any way he pleases for the 
benefit of the scholars — do you not see at once that 
those teachers and scholars have a great advantage 
over such as do not have such privileges? How 
much more interesting and profitable a teacher can 
make his work if he can have accessible a large libra- 
ry of books, and be able to take to the school-room 
and to his home a considerable number to use in 
connection with the work in hand ! How much more 
interesting it is to a scholar to be allowed, when he 
is studying upon any subject, to read graphic and 
interesting accounts of that subject to add to the 
interest which comes from a dry paragraph in a text- 
book alluding to the subject! Why, ladies and 
gentlemen, you can often make study fascinating to 
children if you point out to them sources of infor- 
mation where, in an interesting way and with a pro- 
fusion of details, matters treated of briefly in their 
text-books are treated of at length and in a clear and 
agreeable style in larger books accessible to them in 
public libraries. 

But there is another feature. Suppose a teacher 

62 



is allowed to take a large number of books from a 
public library, display them in the school-room, and 
allow the scholars to rummage freely among them 
and select such as they like to take home to read, 
care having been taken by the teacher to acquaint 
himself with the best literature for children, and 
opportunities being afforded him to consult with 
the librarian, who, it may be, has a large knowledge 
of children's literature ; suppose a teacher to be 
thus situated, to have interest enough to inform 
himself in regard to what are really the good books 
for children, and ample opportunities in the library 
to obtain those books and place them before the 
children ; suppose that work of the kind men- 
tioned begins when the children are small, and is 
continued for a series of years while they remain in 
the public schools, — can you doubt that a teacher 
of tact will so interest the children that a large part 
of their leisure time, all the time they have for 
reading, will be taken up in reading good books? 
And can you doubt, if this course is pursued long 
enough and faithfully enough, that the taste of the 
children will improve, and that you will find after a 
series of years that poor books are not attractive to 
them? 

Mr. President, I should like to speak to you of 
the value of a library in cultivating the imagina- 
tion and the moral sense, and particularly in aiding 
in the cause of good morals in the community 
where a library is established. I have no time to 
do this, sir, but will hint at one argument which I 
should like to develop. If you find that young 

63 



people are loafers or idlers and are beset with the 
temptations which men who are idle are influenced 
by, — if you find boys and girls in this condition, 
where the lower parts of their nature are certain to 
come to the front, what are you to do for them ? 
It is a cardinal principle in philanthropy that, if you 
would get rid of what is bad, you must substitute 
for it something that is interesting and good. Now 
supposing you create a taste for reading, you may 
even make a passion for reading in young people. 
Supposing you make it the pleasure of people as 
they grow up to turn when they have leisure to read- 
ing and study as a recreation. Can anybody doubt 
that you are giving them an immense safeguard? 
A philanthropist in Boston, a lady whose name you 
would recognize as one of those who have been very 
successful in doing good work in a large city, said 
to me, "When I find that a person whom I am 
trying to influence has an interest in reading, I feel 
a strong hope that I can do good to that person." 
Now, ladies and gentlemen, if your young people, as 
the result of a free use of books in school and in 
the home, can arouse in themselves a strong interest 
in reading, even though they read only newspapers 
and magazines and good stories, what a beneficent 
work you are doing in awakening this interest, and 
giving them an occupation to which they turn 
spontaneously instead of becoming idle and gratify- 
ing the lower appetites of human nature ! 

Now, Mr. President, I ought to stop, but I have 
just come from the beautiful library building which 
Mr. Lamed has given you, and I saw there a window 



64 



which interested nie. I cannot forget that two 
months ago I stood on the spot at Delftshaven 
where John Robinson knelt and blessed the Pilgrims, 
and bade them God-speed as they went on board the 
vessel to go first to England and then to America, 
to found in the Old Colony of this Commonwealth 
their little republic and become exemplars of man- 
kind. A few days later I stood in Leyden, in the 
church where John Robinson is buried, and on the 
outside of that church I read the inscription on 
the tablet which has been placed there by the 
American lovers and admirers of John Robinson, 
who is regarded as the father of Congregationalism. 
On a house opposite the church I saw another tablet 
which announced that here was the site of the house 
in which Robinson lived, the house in which he 
preached, — for he gathered his congregation about 
him in his dwelling-place, — and connected with 
which was a garden in which there were numerous 
little houses in which a considerable portion of his 
congregation lived. It was thrilling, Mr. President, 
to stand there amid the things which reminded one 
of our Pilgrim forefathers, and to think what a 
work John Robinson, Edward Winslow, William 
Bradford, and the others had done for this country 
and the world. 

Libraries do much, sir, in an educational way to-day 
through pictures. We have in our own library in 
Worcester a magnificent collection of the largest- 
sized and best photographs that can be procured in 
Europe, illustrating the different schools of art and 
objects of interest throughout Europe and Asia. 

65 



You have, sir, what pictures you can afford to have, 
but whatever others you get, — and I assure you that 
they exert a great educational influence, — whatever 
others you get, you have the picture of John Robin- 
son. A noble man he was. I will not speak of his 
love of learning, or of the University of Leyden, 
close by his house, of which he was a member and 
with whose professors he delighted so much to asso- 
ciate. I would rather have you think of him as the 
Apostle of Righteousness, as the man who was ready 
to sacrifice everything for what was right, and I 
would recall to your minds that particular feature of 
his righteousness which to me makes John Robinson 
stand out as one of the finest types of men to be 
found in history. He had an open mind. He was 
always a student, and, whenever new light came to 
him, he immediately, readily, willingly, heartily, gave 
up old views which he had found to be incorrect. 

Chairman : Few who have heard of the Charles 
Larned Memorial and none who have passed its por- 
tals have failed to observe the prominence of the 
Robinson name, looking out from its memorial tab- 
let and further suggested by the illuminated window 
over the entrance. Some years ago the Robinsons 
of America awoke to the fact that they had an 
ancestry worth looking up ; and accordingly an asso- 
ciation was organized for that purpose. The presi- 
dent of that association is with us to-day, having come 
all the way from Gloucester to recognize and honor 
the spirit and motive of this occasion. I take pleas- 
ure in introducing Hon. David I. Robinson, of 
Gloucester. 



Mr. Robinson : 

Mr. Chairman, — It is with extreme pleasure that 
I bring to you to-day the greetings of the Robinson 
kinsfolk ; for the erection of the Charles Larned Memo- 
rial Building is to them of more than passing interest. 

This building commemorates the name of one 
very dear to the heart of Mr. Larned, for the one 
word "mother" expresses much. She was one whose 
long line of honorable ancestry reaches back to the 
Rev. John Robinson, of Pilgrim renown: she was 
a worthy descendant of a worthy ancestor. 

My own line of genealogy I am able to trace to 
Abraham Robinson, who settled at Agassquam, or 
Annisquam, now a part of Gloucester, on Cape Ann, 
in 1631 ; but here the link is broken, and, try as we 
will, we cannot definitely connect with the Rev. John 
Robinson, although tradition is wholly on our side. 
We find from the Leyden records that he had a son 
Isaac and a son Jacob. We think, therefore, he ought 
to have had a son Abraham. If he did (and tradition 
gives it as a fact), then that son Abraham was our 
ancestor, and the chain is complete. 

A few weeks ago the Robinson Family Genea- 
logical and Historical Association met at the historic 
spot where nearly three centuries ago the flock of 
Rev. John Robinson sought religious freedom on our 
shores. Mr. Robinson, you remember, was pre- 
vented from coming with the colony or from joining 
it later, on account of not obtaining the consent of 
the English Association which controlled the enter- 
prise. He died before this consent could be obtained, 
but he cheered and counseled his flock until his death, 

67 



which occurred in 1625, when a life of suffering from 
religious persecution, but of devotion to the cause 
of religious freedom, was brought to a close. 

On account of his strenuous life, the reverential 
devotion of his followers, his fatherly care over them, 
and his wise counsel, we are wont to think of the 
Rev. John Robinson as an aged man, who lived 
beyond the allotted life of threescore years and ten ; 
yet he died at the comparatively early age of fifty 
years. His life was one so full of devotion to others 
and of self-sacrifice as not to be measured by the 
flight of years, — a life which the boundless ages of 
eternity alone can embrace. 

In the rush and turmoil of the busy world of 
to-day there are to a greater or less degree just such 
characters, which stand out in bold relief, — those 
who, forgetful of self and living for the good of 
others, are the world's benefactors, heroes and hero- 
ines in the battle of life. Every such a one is 
making l^he world better by living in it. 

This thought will call vividly to mind the great 
life which has just come to a close in your neighbor- 
ing city of Worcester, or rather which is just begin- 
ning to shine in the endless ages of eternity. Sena- 
tor Hoar belonged to the state, to the nation, to the 
world : he belonged to that class of which I speak. 
He lived not for himself. Wealth, honor, title, 
position, were nothing to him except as he could use 
them for the good of others. His life was a bene- 
diction ; his death a sublime transition. 

Monuments do not make such men great, but they 
serve to remind generations to come that great men 
have lived. 

68 



This beautiful library building which to-day the 
town of Oxford receives from the hand of Mr. 
Charles Larned is a monument — the best, the most 
enduring — in memory of her who was the honored 
daughter and seventh descendant of one of the great 
characters of the sixteenth and seventeenth cen- 
turies, — the Rev. John Robinson, of Leyden. 

Singing. 

The Old Arm-chair. 

I love it ! I love it ! and who shall dare 

To chide me for loving that old arm-chair ? 

I've treasured it long as a sainted prize, 

I've bedewed it with tears, and embalmed it with sighs ; 

'Tis bound by a thousand bands to my heart ; 

Not a tie will break, not a link will start. 

Would ye learn the spell? — A mother sat there ; 

And a sacred thing is that old arm-chair ! 

In childhood's hour I lingered near 
The hallowed seat, with listening ear ; 
And gentle words that mother would give, 
To fit me to die and teach me to live. 
She told me shame would never betide — 
With truth for my creed and God for my guide ; 
She taught me to lisp my earliest prayer, 
As I knelt beside that old arm-chair. 

I sat and watched her many a day, 

When her eye grew dim, and her locks were gray ; 

And I almost worshiped her when she smiled 

And turned from her Bible to bless her child. 

Years rolled on, but the last one sped — 

My idol was shattered, my earth-star fled ; 

I learned how much the heart can bear, 

When I saw her die in that old arm-chair, 



Chairman : This Memorial is to be transferred 
to the town finished and complete in all its details, 
therefore, no report upon the building itself is 
called for. It will be open for inspection at the 
conclusion of these exercises, and will speak for 
itself. A few facts, briefly stated, however, may be 
of interest. 

The subject was first broached to the town at its 
annual meeting on the 2d of April, 1900, — four and 
a half years ago. Seven and a half sufficed for the 
building of Solomon's temple, but Solomon and 
Hiram wrought in harmony. Four and a half years ! 
A period marked by vicissitudes "grand, gloomy, 
and peculiar," and by enactments wise and otherwise, 
which have passed into local history, and need not 
here be recounted. 

The total cost to the donor of the building, with 
its fixed furniture, has been upwards of $27,000, — 
more than two and a quarter times what he first 
proposed to give. For the movable furniture and 
incidentals about $3,000 — from the funds of 
former benefactors — has been expended, making the 
total cost of the building and equipments about 
$30,000. 

The original cost of the lot was $5,500, fur- 
nished by the town and a member of the Building 
Committee; while the expense of grading, walks, 
shrubbery, etc., increased that item to nearly $6,000, 
thus adding to the non-taxable but large divi- 
dend-paying property of the town approximately 
$36,000. 

70 



It would be more in accordance with our sense of 
the fitness of things for Mr. Larned, in person, to 
present the symbols of ownership and enjoy the 
heart-felt applause of the beneficiaries, but his liber- 
ality is even exceeded by his modesty ; and he has 
begged to be excused, since his forte is "Deeds 
rather than Words." In deference to the wishes 
of others, however, to which he is not indifferent, 
I understand he has penned a brief note, which 
embodies the substance of all he could say, and 
will be read by our now friend, Mr. Robinson, of 
Gloucester. 

Mr. Robinson: 

Oxford, Mass., Oct. 5, 1904. 

To the Citizens of Oxford and our Welcome 

Guests : 

Ladies and Gentlemen, — It affords me great 
pleasure to meet and greet you all to-day. It is an 
occasion for mutual congratulations. We have a 
common pride in this historic old town, and the 
memories of my early life which I passed here have 
prompted me to erect upon your beautiful street the 
Memorial Building which we dedicate to the use 
and benefit of all. I am glad to do this, for the 
character and purpose of the structure mean much 
to me, and I feel assured that it will be used, en- 
joyed, and appreciated by you and your successors 
for many, many years. 

In tendering, through the Building Committee, 
the deed* of the property with the keys to the repre- 

* See page 96. 

71 



sentatives of the town, I wish publicly to thank all 
who have in any way contributed to the success of 
the undertaking, and especially to express my high 
appreciation of the gratuitous services of our Build- 
ing Committee, to whose untiring exertions this 
happy consummation is chiefly due. 

Cordially yours, 

Charles Larned. 



Chairman : "Exegi monumenturn cereperennius" 
cried the enraptured Latin poet, as he contemplated 
his triumphs in verse, — "I have reared a monument 
more lasting than brass," — and ages have proved it 
no vain boast. There are other earthly pledges of 
immortal honor no less sure. An American poet 
whose laurels, like those of Horace, will be green 
through the centuries, — James Russell Lowell, — 
once said on an occasion similar to the present : — 

"There is no way in which a man can build so 
secure and lasting a monument for himself as in a 
public library. Upon that he may confidently allow 
Resurgam to be carved, for through his good deed 
he will rise again in the grateful remembrance and 
in the lifted and broadened minds and fortified 
characters of generation after generation. The 
Pyramids may forget their builders, but memorials 
such as this have longer memories." 

And in similar strain the eloquent and lamented 
Henry Stedman Nourse, worthy representative of 
the Library Commission, thus voiced the same senti- 
ment: — 



72 



"There is no more enduring thing, as human 
matters are accounted, than the free public library, 
and he who puts his name over its portals, either as 
founder or as benefactor, has built for himself a more 
graceful and a more enduring monument than any 
that his heirs can erect in any cemetery, though they 
pile granite skywards or with its foundations cover 
a rood of ground." 

And so, despite all modest protests, in the far-off 
years when you and I shall have gone to our rest 
and the young life of other generations shall cluster 
around yon delivery desk, haply some one may ask, 
"Where is the resting-place of him who in the long- 
ago planned for us so wisely and so well, that we 
may at least stand in the shadow of his monument 
and do him honor?" And the answer shall come 
over seas from the silent crypt of St. Paul's, where 
rest the remains of its great architect, Sir Christopher 
Wren: "Si monumentum quceris circumspice" — 
"If you seek a monument, look about you" and the 
spontaneous tribute of grateful hearts shall rise like 
incense, and hallow all the place. 

It only remains for the Building Committee to 
surrender its trust and responsibilities by turning 
over to the authorities of the town the deed of gift 
which, as Mr. Larned's representative, I hold in my 
hand, with the keys which give the people free ac- 
cess to the building and its treasures. Upon one of 
these keys is inscribed Master, which indicates that 
it will open the way to every room in the building. 
In it I see a type of the library itself in its sumptu- 
ously appointed home, which, rightly used ? is a master- 

73 



key to all the chambers of human knowledge. [De- 
livery of deed and keys to Lawrence F. Kilty, chair- 
man of the Board of Selectmen.] Guard it well, 
and may the town be indulgent and liberal to this 
child of its old age, so making its future career of 
enlarged opportunity and increased usefulness tell 
upon the generations following, 

"That our sons may be as plants grown up in their 
youth ; that our daughters may be as corner-stones, 
polished after the similitude of a palace." 

Mr. Kilty: 

Mr. Chairman, — It gives me pleasure, in behalf 
of the people of Oxford, as their chosen represen- 
tative on this occasion, to accept from your hand 
the keys to this new and valued acquisition by the 
town. 

Oxford, rich in the munificence of her former 
sons and daughters, is again reminded of those who, 
in her earlier history, by lives and labors have contrib- 
uted so much to the character and reputation which 
she now enjoys. This costly memorial places within 
easy reach of our people the key of knowledge and 
education. It dignifies town office, and it will be a 
just matter of pride to those intrusted with town 
affairs to see that the interests of the Free Public 
Library do not suffer at their hands, but rather that 
its usefulness is enhanced. 

In behalf of the town I wish to extend thanks to 
the donor of the Charles Larned Memorial for one 
of the most beautiful free public library buildings 
in the Commonwealth. 

74 



The chairman of the Board of Selectmen in turn 
transferred the keys to the Trustees of the Free 
Public Library, represented by Orrin F. Joslin, 
chairman, who responded as follows : — 

Mr. Chairman, — In behalf of the Trustees of Ox- 
ford Free Public Library I accept from you the keys 
of this building. In their acceptance we realize 
that we are taking upon ourselves a great respon- 
sibility, for on the public schools and public libra- 
ries depend in a large degree the developing, uplift- 
ing, and ennobling of future generations. We 
realize this fact, and pledge ourselves to untiring 
devotion to its best interests in every department of 
its work. 

In order that this building may fulfill hi the 
highest degree the purpose for which it has been 
erected, we would earnestly request the hearty co- 
operation of the citizens of Oxford, both old and 
young. Assured of this, we believe that this beau- 
tiful library building, given to the town by one 
deeply interested in its welfare, can be made a 
great power for good in this community. 

Chairman: The prayer of dedication will now 
be offered by Eev. Charles M. Carpenter, of Oxford. 

Prayer. 

Let us unite our hearts hi prayer. 
Lord our God, Thou art from everlasting to 
everlasting. Thy days change not, Thy years are 

75 



ever the same. And so we know, we are conscious, 
fully conscious, that Thou dost still love Thy chil- 
dren, and that Thou dost bestow upon the sons of 
men great gifts. Heaven and earth are full of them. 
The heavens declare Thy glory, and the earth speaks 
forth Thy handiwork, and yet they cannot tell us 
all the things Thou wouldst have us know as Thy 
sons and Thy daughters, created in Thine own 
image ; and so Thou hast moved mightily upon 
man, and Thou hast inspired great minds to record 
great events, and record the noble thoughts which 
are born of God. And we praise Thee that gene- 
ration after generation are the recipients of Thy 
bounty in this direction. We praise Thee, Infi- 
nite God, that as the days come and go, ripening 
into centuries, the events which have gone to make 
up this great world's history, the events which have 
gone to ennoble and purify and lift up man, have 
been treasured by movable types and upon papers 
and parchments that are enduring. 

And we bless Thee also that Thou didst move 
upon mighty men to come to this land, barren, des- 
titute, gloomy, forbidding, and to establish here the 
republic that should endure as long as time endures. 
We praise Thee that in the hearts of these noble 
men there was the desire to worship the everlasting 
God, and to bring up generations that should honor 
Him forever and forever. And now we praise Thee 
that Thou didst send to these shores representatives 
of a man whose heart was full of the knowledge of 
the Lord, and who cried out for more light. May 
that be the petition of all descendants of him who 

76 



loved his own land, but sought for his own people 
a larger heritage. And we pray that these genera- 
tions now existing may rise, and in his memory do 
their best for this our beloved land. And we thank 
Thee for the memory of her who looked back through 
generations to him who loved his God and who loved 
his native land, and who desired for his people better 
things. We thank Thee for that spirit of philan- 
thropy which she fostered in him who has so won- 
derfully blessed this town. We thank Thee for this 
donor to our Free Public Library, who has made a 
home for that collection which has so long been 
dear to this people. 

We thank Thee for the hearts that inspired men 
and women to plant this library here in our midst. 
And so, Lord, we beseech Thee for Thy blessing 
upon all who have in any way contributed to this 
great event in the history of Oxford. We pray for 
Thy blessing upon all donors. We pray for Thy 
blessing upon all who have arduously toiled. We pray 
for Thy blessing upon the recipients of this gift. We 
pray for Thy blessing upon the generations yet to 
come and to enjoy these things. We pray for Thy 
benediction upon all that pertains in any way to this 
acquisition to our town's wealth. Hear us, we en- 
treat Thee, and, as we dedicate this building to Thee 
and to Thy glory, we would dedicate it to these 
fathers and these mothers, these sons and these 
daughters; we would dedicate it to the children of 
generations yet unborn ; we would dedicate it as a 
memorial forever. 

And we beseech Thee to hear our petitions and 

77 



give us "more light" until the day when Thou shalt 
gather us all into Thy kingdom, with Jesus Christ, 
our Lord. Amen. 

Chairman : Friends, this is, in character, a kind 
of "Old Home Week" gathering. Most of those 
who have participated are in some manner connected 
with Oxford, if not residents. The Orator of the 
Day, however, we regret to say, is a native neither 
of Oxford nor of Worcester County. If he were, 
we could not claim him, for he belongs to the nation 
and the age. We are, nevertheless, no less happy to 
welcome him here to-day, and I take great pleasure 
as I have the honor to introduce to you the distin- 
guished gentleman who will deliver the dedicatory 
address for this occasion, 

Hon. Carroll D. Wright, President of Clark 
College of Worcester. 

Address. 

Dreams, books, are each a world ; and books, we know, 
Are a substantial world, both pure and good. 
Round these, with tendrils strong as flesh and blood, 
Our pastime and our happiness will grow. 

WORDSWORTH, in " Personal Talk," Stanza 3. 

In books lies the soul of the whole Past Time ; the articu- 
late audible voice of the Past, when the body and material 
substance of it has altogether vanished like a dream. 

Carlyle, Heroes and Hero-worship. 

The Commonwealth of Massachusetts has the 
proud distinction of being the only State in the 

78 



world that can announce the great fact that every 
city and town within its borders has the right and 
privilege of a free public library. The importance 
of this proclamation is enhanced by the fact that 
there are 353 cities and towns in the State. One 
might ask why it is that this Commonwealth of ours 
has achieved this great work. I think we may look 
for an answer in the principles involved in the set- 
tlement of the Plymouth and Massachusetts Bay 
Colonies, notwithstanding the diversity of the char- 
acteristics of the settlers or founders of the two colo- 
nies. Those of the Plymouth Colony took on the 
freedom of thought of the Independents who made 
up the body of Pilgrims, on the one hand, — relig- 
ious, broad-minded men and women as they were, — 
while, on the other, the men and women that made 
up the Massachusetts Bay Colony were Puritanical, 
dogmatic, narrow, proscriptive, but thoroughly im- 
bued with the idea of the observance of a strict re- 
ligious life, accompanied by the desire and the 
determination to secure educational privileges, the 
latter being evidenced by their establishment of 
Harvard College at an early date. There seemed 
to be two lines of thought in the two colonies al- 
most antagonistic in their nature, yet running along 
in other directions on parallel Hues. The basis of 
their new civilization was the church, as evidenced 
by the parish, the unit of municipal organization. 
Out of this there naturally grew the desire to es- 
tablish the two fundamental elements of American 
civilization, — the church and, by its side, the school- 
house. Intolerant as they were of religious free- 

79 



dom for others, fighting for the liberty of con- 
science, — and by that they meant the liberty of 
their own conscience and not that of others, — they, 
nevertheless, established those institutions and in- 
sisted upon those elements of civilization which have 
marked the course and the progress of this Com- 
monwealth, and which have had an enduring in- 
fluence in the establishment of American constitu- 
tions. Religious to the extreme of bigotry, and 
dogmatic and intolerant as they were, they were 
nevertheless statesmen in a large sense, and so 
ordered their lives that they have reflected on all 
other political organizations in this country the firm 
principles of political liberty and the loftiest ideals 
of statecraft. 

The leader of the Pilgrims, standing in their midst 
in Holland on the 21st day of July, 1620, gave 
to the world a new Magna Charta, when he said : " I 
charge you if God should reveal anything to you 
by any other instrument of his, be as ready to 
receive it as ever you were to receive any truth 
by my ministry, and I am confident that the Lord 
hath more light and truth yet to break forth out 
of his holy word." It was not immediately that 
his disciples saw the force of this utterance. In 
fact, it was not until after generations that the real 
import of John Robinson's foresight was understood 
by the people of the New World ; but the new and 
the other light came gradually, however, and the 
growth of our new civilization can date its birth 
from the utterances of John Robinson, whose de- 
scendant, in his generosity, and with a clear under- 

80 



standing of the necessity of intellectual growth to 
secure the highest ethical results, establishes this 
beautiful memorial as the receptacle for the public 
library of this ancient municipality. No other town 
has the satisfaction of receiving a public library 
erected to the memory of a lineal descendant of the 
Rev. John Robinson of Leyden. Your town appre- 
ciates this generosity, and more, — it appreciates the 
opportunity given it for perpetuating not only the 
memory of the one who gives it, but the lofty senti- 
ments of the ancestor who did so much to inspire 
the growth of the highest qualities of mind in our 
Commonwealth. 

You have struggled here to gain a library for the 
benefit of your citizens. As I read your history, I 
find that several attempts were made to secure a col- 
lection of books that should be of service to your 
citizens, and from these small beginnings you finally 
established a public library. But you needed a case, 
and Charles Larned has furnished it, and so well has 
he done in its furnishing that you may justly be 
proud of the rank you now take as the owner of 
one of the most beautiful library buildings in the 
State. 

When we undertake to grasp the vast domain of 
knowledge, we often regret that it cannot be be- 
queathed as can other possessions; that the men who 
have spent their lives in the pursuit of some depart- 
ment of human knowledge or have sacrificed all com- 
fort for the attainment of science should not be per- 
mitted to transmit their acquisitions. In our short- 
sightedness we feel that the world loses in some way 

81 



from its sum of information when such men as 
Agassiz are called from their labors. This feeling 
of loss has taken possession of the minds of men in 
all the ages that have witnessed the development of 
the human race, and the desire to give to the world 
that which has been dearly won in the varied fields 
of learning has induced scholars to put into books 
the gems of their possessions. 

To transmit the results of research, to record the 
deeds of men, to sing the praises of heroes, even to 
perpetuate the names of men, — these are motives 
which have stimulated the labor of book-writing 
from the days of papyrean records to present times. 
And yet the origin of books cannot be traced. 
How can it be traced when the scholastic Greek lost 
all tradition of the birth of his nation? And books 
existed long before the birth of the Greek nation. 
The Scriptures were written in language dead even 
at the time of their discovery; but the grand litera- 
ture of the times of Moses and the Prophets has 
found in modern scholarship the most correct inter- 
preters. 

The knowledge of the past has been bequeathed 
to us, and we in turn shall bequeath the accumula- 
tions of all the ages to those succeeding. To be- 
queath the intellectual treasures of the past necessi- 
tated the institution of libraries, and so we read of 
the collection of books as among the earliest works 
of man. Even the Assyrians and Babylonians had 
what have been aptly designated "libraries of clay," 
being collections of inscribed bricks and tiles. 

It is contended by some authors that the Hebrews 



82 



were the originators of libraries proper, and that the 
care they took for the preservation of their sacred 
records and the story of the actions of their ances- 
tors furnished an example to other nations. It is 
recorded that Osymandyas, an Egyptian king, taking 
the hint from the Hebrews, established a library in 
his palace. He had inscribed over the door of his 
library, "The Storehouse of Medicine for the Mind." 
The Ptolemies were not only curious as to books, 
but preserved them in magnificence in the city of 
Alexandria. It was, indeed, a library that Nehemiah 
instituted in the temple of Jerusalem, and in which 
he preserved the books of the Prophets and of David, 
and the letters of the kings. The first public library 
at Athens was founded by Pisistratus. Rome had 
its great collections of intellectual treasures, and in 
ancient times every large church had its library, the 
first church library having been founded by Pope 
Nicholas at the Vatican in 1450. 

The invention of the art of printing, which fol- 
lowed . the revival of learning in the fourteenth and 
fifteenth centuries, of course led to a wonderful in- 
crease in the production of books, and consequently 
to a new era in the history of public libraries, until 
to-day the grandest monuments of civilization man 
has been able to erect are the vast libraries of the 
world. 

So it seems that the library, almost coeval with 
man, certainly with the growth of acquired knowl- 
edge, has given the means for bequeathing that 
knowledge, and thus rendered the sacrifices of the 
devotees of science and of all learning the direct in- 

83 



heritance of all who may inquire as to the nature of 
their inheritance, but to none others than those who 
knock at the door. The history of libraries shows, 
of course, that ever-varying fortune which attends 
the history of art and of all that belongs to man's 
finer development, but the library has been the 
door which wise men have erected everywhere at 
which the seeker after knowledge can knock for ad- 
mittance ; and the only condition has been the ex- 
istence of the desire to learn. How many have 
wanted to enter, but could find no door ! How 
many have recognized the portal, but have failed to 
give the sign ! 

A generation before our Revolution a young 
man, a Boston boy, who had run away from his 
apprenticeship to a printer in Boston and had made 
his home in Philadelphia, and who had felt the 
great want of books, determined to institute means 
by which he and others like him could have the 
benefit of the brains of men who had recorded the 
results of their labor. This young man had been 
obliged to beg and borrow books ; had pinched his 
stomach, that his mind might expand. The mem- 
bers of a little club to which he belonged con- 
tributed the few books they each owned to a com- 
mon stock, and with these and a subscription of two 
pounds each and ten shillings a year from about fifty 
young men Franklin inaugurated his first impor- 
tant movement for the good of his fellow-men. He 
laid the foundation of the Public Library of Phila- 
delphia. Franklin, in his Autobiography, in speak- 
ing of this enterprise, says : " This was the mother 

84 



of all the North American subscription libraries, now 
so numerous. It has become a great thing itself, 
and continually goes on increasing. These libra- 
ries have improved the general conversation of the 
Americans, made the common tradesmen and farmers 
as intelligent as most gentlemen from other coun- 
tries, and perhaps have contributed in some degree 
to the stand so generally made throughout the col- 
onies in defence of their privileges." 

The importance Franklin attached to this institu- 
tion was great indeed, and the realization of the 
value of the library resulting from his own wants 
only influenced him still more in urging its founda- 
tion. While the creation of this subscription li- 
brary at Philadelphia was, as I have said, and ac- 
cording to Edward Everett's testimony given at the 
dedication of the Boston Public Library, Franklin's 
first work of importance to his fellow-men, the li- 
brary he established was the first of the kind of 
which there is any record. It was not only the 
mother of subscription libraries, but the parent of 
the distinctly American free city and town libraries 
which exist all over our country. 

Andrew Carnegie, who has given several hundred 
libraries to different municipalities, has testified that 
he was induced to take this course through the de- 
sire in early life to have access to books, and, when 
a friend loaned him works from his own library, he 
resolved that, if he ever had the means, he would do 
all in his power to secure like privileges for others 
seeking like advantages. 

This matter of bequeathing knowledge through 

85 



books and through collections of books called libra- 
ries is well illustrated by an anecdote related by Mr. 
Samuel S. Green, librarian of the Free Public Li- 
brary of Worcester, in his address at the opening 
of the library building of Clark University last Jan- 
uary. Mr. Green was undertaking to show how 
students seeking to add to the sum of human knowl- 
edge must, in order to prevent a waste of time and 
energy, first learn what is already known. Hence 
the need of libraries to serve as storehouses of the 
records of existing knowledge. He stated that the 
process by which civilization grows, in so far as it is 
advanced by the use of books, is a simple one, and 
that this is obvious even to the untutored savage, as 
is well illustrated by the remarks of Geronimo, an 
Indian prisoner of the United States a few years ago, 
who, when asked, " Do not the products of civilized 
life astonish you?" replied, "No, I see how they 
come about. A man does something, and writes a 
book to describe it. Another man comes along, and 
reads that book, and it occurs to him that he can do 
better the thing that has been done. He improves 
upon his predecessor, and writes a book to record his 
accomplishment. A third person improves upon the 
work of the second, and succeeding scholars and 
thinkers, adding their own achievements to those of 
their predecessors, in time produce the glorious re- 
sults of high civilization. But," he added, " I was 
taken to New Orleans, and shown an establishment 
in which ice was made. At one end of a building I 
saw wood thrown into furnaces, and out of the 
other end came blocks of ice. Man did not do that : 



86 



only God Almighty can make ice from fire." And 
Mr. Green added, after relating this interesting an- 
ecdote, that, although Geronimo had not come to 
understand fully the power of man when he avails 
himself of the forces of the universe, he certainly 
had grasped an underlying principle in the process 
of civilization. The garnered treasures of past 
learning and the knowledge of the present are step- 
ping stones to higher achievements and greater en- 
lightenment. Standing on the shoulders of earlier 
scholars, we gain a wider outlook and broader views. 

So we need have no fear of losing the results of 
the work accomplished by the human intellect. The 
man who accomplishes results is mortal, and dies, 
but his work survives him, and the library is the 
storehouse that perpetuates all that is worth remem- 
bering and what the student needs to enable him to 
go forward in his researches, while it furnishes the 
opportunity to man to gain a broader culture in life, 
even if he does not secure the fundamental facts of 
knowledge. Literature, art, everything that helps 
to adorn the human character, can be gained by 
reading, — by the study of what is and of what has 
been. 

So the library is what Carlyle called it. He said, 
" The true university of these days is a collection of 
books." That author, given to epigrammatic say- 
ings, never recorded a wiser one. The library is 
the university of the town, and every town in our 
honored Commonwealth has this university. It is 
the source to which all citizens can freely go when- 
ever taste, inclination, or the desire for knowledge, 

87 



inspires them. And in the light of this grand in- 
fluence we may overlook the criticisms that are 
often made upon the character of the collection. 
This world is not made up entirely of wheat. In 
the divine plan there is chaff. The thistles will 
grow up and help smother the pure grain, but the 
pure grain is there, and the care exercised by the 
managers of our public libraries is evidence that 
the tares are kept to the minimum. 

The influence of the library as the university of 
the town is felt to a large degree in the new proc- 
esses or new methods, rather, of instruction. Many 
of us remember that the teacher's task as a teacher 
was finished when she had asked the questions at 
the bottom of the page of the text-book ; that there 
was no indication or suggestion of what the student 
better read in a collateral way in order to interest 
him and to enable him to gain other information 
than that given in the text-book, or to broaden his 
mind by understanding the views of other authors 
than those given him to study. In fact, there would 
have been little use fifty years ago of the teacher's 
suggesting to the student a course of collateral read- 
ing, for the source of such reading was not at hand, 
except in a very few private libraries, and then only to 
a limited degree. Now the teacher knows well that 
putting the questions which the text-book contains 
is the smallest or slightest part of her work. She 
must illuminate the whole subject ; she must stimu- 
late the young mind in its plastic stage ; she must 
throw around her work the elements that will induce 
the boy or girl to seek further light and to secure 

88 



greater enjoyment in the acquisition of knowledge. 
If it be a class in history, she can easily say to its 
members, "You will find in such and such works 
an elaboration of this principle or the facts given 
more in extenso" and the pupil has recourse to the 
public library, where he can supplement the some- 
what rigid work of the curriculum by interesting 
collateral reading and gain a new insight into the 
dryness of the text-book. 

This course leads the young mind to comprehend 
the real power of knowing well what is taught in 
a preliminary way only in the public schools. The 
pupil learns the power which he gains by a fuller 
knowledge, and, if he be industrious and his selec- 
tions are wise, he can lead his class, and be an in- 
fluence in his school and in his community. While 
this is peculiarly true of history, it is also true that 
other branches afford the same opportunity — in dif- 
ferent degrees, perhaps — of acquiring that collateral 
knowledge which is so necessary in the study of any 
branch of learning. 

Truly, the public library is the university of the 
town, but it goes beyond this. The use of the 
books of a public library by the pupils in the schools 
carries its influence to the father and the mother and 
the older members of the family, and a taste for 
reading is acquired. Those of us who are passing 
down the closing years of our lives know well that 
the man who has a taste for reading, who never 
allows an hour to pass in idleness when he can oc- 
cupy himself with a good book, has a hold that no 
other man has. He is not only entertaining himself, 

89 



but he may entertain others ; and he is a safer man, 
a better citizen, a truer patriot, than the man who 
has never had the good fortune to acquire the taste 
for reading. The library helps him in his declining 
years to make himself an agreeable companion and 
a real helper in the progress of the studies of the 
youth of his community. 

We often hear some condemnation of the public 
library. You will recall that the distinguished play- 
wright, Richard Brinsley Sheridan, in "The Rivals," 
puts it in the mouth of one of his characters to say 
that "a circulating library in a town is as an evergreen 
tree of diabolical knowledge." This sentiment was 
uttered 130 years ago, but we still hear it. We are 
still told that the public library feeds the ambition 
of the young, causes degeneration of the mind, and 
pollutes morals; and here and there we hear of a 
youth who has been led into criminal courses by read- 
ing trashy novels and adventures. We hear that 
much reading creates discontent among the people, 
who, it is assumed, ought to confine their lives in 
the narrow limits of a workaday existence; that 
through this discontent they are constantly grasping 
for things not within their reach, and that by such 
grasping they fail to perform the duties belonging 
to an industrious life. 

All these things may be true, but I assure you 
they are true only in a very limited degree ; and the 
extent to which they are true is offset by a higher 
element which comes into the lives of those who 
have free access to books. Every day I meet men 
of the strongest mental capacity, men hard at work 

90 



in their particular walk in life — students of science, 
writers, men whose labors cannot be limited to an 
eight or a ten hour day, — the products of whose 
minds are giving to the world some of the best 
thought and the best results that can be secured, 
but who seek recreation, relaxation, — rest, in fact, — 
by reading romance. We may say this is perfectly 
safe for a mature mind, but unsafe for the young. 
I believe too much novel-reading by the young is 
pernicious to some degree, but chiefly because it may 
vitiate a taste for reading of a higher order. The 
good, clean, and wholesome novel only stimulates 
mental activity : it does not dull it ; but, carried too 
far, the better works are laid aside or neglected, 
just as too much magazine reading after a while 
vitiates the taste or dulls the desire to read more 
sustained works. A man who reads magazines con- 
stantly, shrinks from taking up a work of four or 
five hundred pages on some subject which would be 
of advantage to him. And yet the magazine is the 
chief source to which many in their busy lives can 
turn for the gratification of the desire to read at all. 
The skimming of newspapers — a necessity in our 
day — takes the edge off the desire to read books. 
But, when we study the statistics of libraries and see 
the character of the works that circulate in any com- 
munity, especially in New England, I think one is 
fully satisfied that there are no works of substantial 
merit in a public library that do not receive gratify- 
ing attention. 

We are living in the day when competition is 
mind with mind. Life is exacting. The necessity 



91 



to earn one's living and to support one's family 
leads to the desire for recreation, and this modern 
condition superinduces the desire for general read- 
ing. The activity of the mind must be fed, and the 
degree in which the feeding process goes on de- 
pends upon the facility of securing the food. 

I believe that the reading by any man or boy or 
girl of even what we may call trashy novels is bet- 
ter for him or her than the idling away of his or her 
life on the street or in questionable places, though 
by such reading we may occasionally witness a wreck. 
In every work there will be found something good 
and, if a book takes a boy off the street and from 
vicious companions, so much good has been accom- 
plished. The influence may not be immediate, but 
it is there. It is always in every book, as in every 
play, however low down it may be, that virtue is 
lauded, and when virtue triumphs, even in the old 
Bowery Theatre in New York, the applause which 
comes from the galleries is stronger than that from 
any other part of the house ; and no author of a cheap 
novel would allow his created villain to secure per- 
manent success. Many a child reading light and 
even frivolous works has often had his taste for 
reading stimulated to the selection of better books, 
and this process may secure to him that general 
taste for reading which enables one to obtain higher 
positions in life than would otherwise have been 
possible. There is no one so poor as the man who 
does not read. 

We must not condemn utterly all reading simply 
because some is of such a character as to exert a bad 



92 



influence. This is just as true of life as it is of 
books. We must not condemn all men because 
some are vicious. The better way to overcome the 
influences which come from strong drink is by some 
healthful substitute. It may not be a radical sub- 
stitute, but whatever it is that prevents the presence 
in the saloon or the idling away of hours in the 
streets in dissolute companionship is certainly to be 
commended, in so far as it accomplishes this result. 

But there is one grand satisfaction in considering 
this side of the public library, and that is that in 
the sterling virtues of our people, as exercised 
through the town meeting, the purest type of de- 
mocracy that has ever existed, there is a careful scru- 
tiny in the selection of books for the shelves. This 
must be kept up. There must be a judicious cen- 
sorship in the management of every public library, 
and with this censorship we need have no very 
alarming fears of the result. 

I think it is safe to say that the public library 
now completes the trinity of public influences in 
shaping thought. Our forefathers established the 
church and the school-house. We have added to 
these the public library, and now these three great 
institutions are with us, and aim for the very best 
civilization. How can it be otherwise ? What has 
been the great influence that keeps this country true 
to the principles established by the settlers? We 
are not a warlike people. We believe in education, 
and are willing to take the results. France, with its 
brilliant history, with all its science and its literature, 
now spends $4 per capita for military purposes per 

93 



annum, and only 70 cents per capita for general 
public educational work ; and England, our mother, 
spends $3.72 per annum for military purposes, and 
only 62 cents per capita for the education of her 
people. Prussia spends $2.04 for her military es- 
tablishment per capita, and only 50 cents for her 
public schools. The United States expends 75 cents 
per capita per annum for military equipment, and 
$3 per capita for her public education, while we in 
Massachusetts spend $4.96 for every man, woman, 
and child within the State's borders for public 
schools. 

These facts testify to the influences which have 
worked with us. They show that we care more for 
the qualities of the mind than for any other, and 
that we are following the great exhortation of John 
Robinson to receive light whenever it is revealed to 
us ; and this library, citizens of Oxford, this gen- 
erous memorial, is an evidence that in your triple 
position of Pilgrim and Puritan and Huguenot you 
have not lost sight of those great principles which 
mean religious and political liberty and intellectual 
freedom. 

Chairman: Permit me to repeat the notice al- 
ready given, that the Charles Larned Memorial will 
be open for inspection at the close of these exer- 
cises. 

You are now requested to rise and join in the 
singing of " America, " and remain standing until the 
benediction is pronounced by Rev. Albert Tyler, of 
Oxford. 



94 



SlNGlNO. 

America. 

Benediction. 

And now may the Father's everlasting blessing 
rest upon this edifice which we have upon this occa- 
sion dedicated. May the Father's kindly hand rest 
in blessing upon the head and heart of him who was 
inspired to build it. May the memories of this glo- 
rious occasion be with us in days to come, inspiring 
us to work for humanity and for the glory of God. 
Amen. 



05 



DEED, 
taoto all men 6p tfyc$t #zz$mt$ 1 

That I, CHARLES LARNED, of Boston, in the County of Suffolk 
and Commonwealth of Massachusetts, in consideration of one dol- 
lar and other valuable considerations paid by the TOWN OF 
OXFORD, in the County of Worcester and Commonwealth of Mas- 
sachusetts, the receipt whereof is hereby acknowledged, do hereby 
remise, release, and forever quttriaim unto the said TOWN OF 
OXFORD a building constructed of Kittanning gray brick with 
Milford pink granite foundation and trimmings, designated on 
a granite slab at the front of the balcony over the main entrance 
and known as the CHARLES LARNED MEMORIAL, for the 
purpose set forth on a metal tablet set into the front wall in a 
niche north of said main entrance, bearing the following legend : 



J W . 



►♦♦♦< 



►♦♦♦+♦♦< 



►♦♦♦< 



wL 



«5J THIS BUILDING $$ 

ERECTED 

TO THE MEMORY OF 
CLARISSA ROBINSON LARNED 

A LINEAL DESCENDANT 

IN THE SEVENTH GENERATION 

OF 

REV. JOHN ROBINSON 

OF LEYDEN 

IS PRESENTED 

TO THE 

TOWN OF OXFORD 

FOR THE USE OF ITS 

FREE PUBLIC LIBRARY 

FOR ALL TIME {£$ 



• 



IHI. 



i 



Said building being located on what was formerly known as 
the "Captain Be Witt lot" and later as the "Hyde lot," on the 
west side of Main Street, at the corner of Sigourney Street, in said 



96 



Oxford, hounded and described as follows : on the east by Main 
Street about one hundred seventy-five feet; on the north by land 
of Orrin F. Joslin about two hundred feet ; on the west by land 
of Herman H. Sigourney about one hundred seventy-five feet ; on 
the south by Sigoumey Street about two hundred feet ; being the 
same premises conveyed to Orrin F. Joslin by Mary D. Hyde by 
deed dated the twenty-third day of July in the year one thou- 
sand nine hundred one (23 July, 1901) and recorded in Worcester 
District Registry Book 1690, page 44-4-, corrected by a quitclaim 
deed from said Hyde to said Joslin, dated 20 May, 1902, and 
filed for record in Worcester District Registry. 

Ea Ijauc aitfc ta ljnlo the granted premises, with all the privileges 
and appurtenances thereto belonging, to the said Town of Oxford 
and its heirs and assigns, to their own use and behoof forever. 

And I do hereby, for myself and my heirs, executors, and 
administrators , covenant with the said grantee and its heirs 
and assigns that the granted premises are free from all incum- 
brances made or suffered by me, and that I will and my heirs, 
executors, and administrators shall warrant and iirfrno the same to 
the said grantee and its heirs and assigns forever against the 
lawful claims and demands of all persons claiming by, through, 
or under me, but against none other. 

3n urttMCBB uuVmif, /, the said CHARLES LARNED, being un- 
married, hereunto set my hand and seal this twenty-ninth day of 
September in the year one thousand nine hundred and four. 

Signed, sealed, and delivered 1 

in presence of V CHARLES LARNED. [Seal] 

JOHN E. KIMBALL. ) 



©ommontoalttf of ilassarhnsetta 

Suffolk ss„ 29 September, 1904- Then personally appeared the 
above-named CHARLES LARNED, and acknowledged the fore- 
going instrument to be his free act and deed, before me, 

JOHNS. KIMBALL, 

Worcester, ss. Justice of the Peace- 



November 15, 1904, at 3 hours, 16 minutes, p.m. Received 
and entered with Worcester District Deeds, Book 1794, page 487- 

Attest : 

DANIEL KENT, 

Register. 

97 



THE BUILDING. 

The plot upon which the Charles Larned Memo- 
rial stands is the most eligible, for library purposes, 
within the limits of the town. Sufficiently removed 
from the noisy activities of village life, it is yet 
hard-by the business and residential centre and 
within easy reach of post-office, stores, schools, and 
churches. 

" Oxford Plain," so called, is noted for the beauty 
of its Main Street. Seven rods in width, this well- 
shaded thoroughfare extends north and south for 
nearly a mile on a level. 

Upon its west side with a frontage of about 
180 feet and a depth westward of 200 feet on 
Sigourney Street, — its southern boundary, — bor- 
dered on the north and west by private estates, these 
amply shaded and spacious grounds, retired, yet easy 
of access, offer an ideal location for an institution 
upon which more than upon any other is focussed 
the interest of the whole community. 

The building, in the form of a Roman cross and 
Renaissance in style of architecture, is placed in the 
centre of the lot, facing eastward, the extreme 
width from north to south being about 70 feet, and 
its length, east and west from entrance steps to rear 
of stack-room, upwards of 82 feet. 



PE, R.A. 



England 




England 



in 1620" 



THE BUILDING. 

The plot upon which the Charles Larned Memo- 
rial stands is the most eligible, for library purposes, 
within the limits of the town. Sufficiently removed 
from the noisy activities of village life, it is yet 
hard-l^.^tha^ta^ifieWWnpaWli^^al centre and 
within easy reach of post-office, stores, schools, and 
churches. MHOS 

" Oxford Plain," so called, is noted for the beauty 
of itsM^ f ^trg^. 9j geVe I n 8 ro^s u m 8 width, this well- 
shaded thoroughfare extends north and south for 
nearly a mile on a revel. 

Upon its west side vvith Q a irontaae of about 
loU feet and a depth westward ot zlR) teet on 
Sigourney Street, — its southern boundary, — bor- 

osJF^b°rftife BflJ^WSP^H^feto P^§^taias; 4 these 
amply shaded and spacious grounds, retired, yet easy 
ot access, oner an ideal location tor an institution 
upon which more than upon any other is focussed 
the interest of the whole community. 

The •building, in the form of a Roman cross and 
Renaissance in style of architecture, is placed in the 
centre of the lot, facing eastward, the extreme 
width from north to south being about 70 feet, and 
length, east and west from entrance steps to rear 
of stack-room, upwards of 82 feet. 



The central portion is two stories in height, 
affording a spacious room on the second floor for 
the display of art and antiquities, small gatherings 
for conference, a trustees' room, attic storage rooms, 
etc. 

A broad granolithic walk leads from Main Street 
to the front entrance, — the head of the cross, — and, 
ascending a flight of eight granite steps flanked 
by heavy buttresses, we stand in the entrance 
porch between polished granite columns and pilas- 
ters. Over our heads, in heavy block letters cut 
from the solid stone, stands out 

FREE PUBLIC LIBKAEY, 
and surmounting this, in front of the balcony above, 

CHAKLES EARNED 
MEMORIAL, 

while just to the right of the porch, in a niche 
corresponding to the window on the left, is placed 
a massive bronze tablet, bearing the legend repro- 
duced on page 96. 

Entering the vestibule, a flight of stairs on the 
right leads to the basement. Passing through the 
door in front, we are in the Delivery Hall. On 
the right, stairs lead to the floor above. On the 
left is a small room furnished with cases, table, and 
chairs for special study or conversation. Directly 
in front is the Delivery Counter and Cataloguing 
Room, immediately in the rear of which is the 
Stack Room. On the right or north of the delivery 
counter is the Librarian's Room, with Toilet Room 



adjoining. Corresponding to the librarian's room 
on the left or south of the delivery counter is the 
Reference Room. South of the delivery hall and 
reference room and extending from front to rear of 
the main building is the General Reading Room, 
lighted by windows on three sides. In the corre- 
sponding wing on the north side is the Juvenile 
Room, somewhat smaller. Each of the two latter 
being furnished with a spacious fireplace, bordered 
by enamelled tile-work and a rich mantel. 

The stack-room, including the basement, is 
designed for three tiers of stacks, with a total capac- 
ity for 40,000 volumes, and is practically fireproof, 
being separated from the main building by fire- 
proof walls and doors. Between the stack-room 
and main structure there are outside stairways lead- 
ing up to the cataloguing room — being the rear 
entrance connected with Sigourney Street by a 
granolithic walk — and down to the basement, 
which with its whitened walls and cement flooring 
is spacious and well lighted, affording accommoda- 
tion for the steam-heating apparatus, coal bunkers, 
toilet and storage rooms, and any additional equip- 
ment which may be required in the future. The 
building is heated by steam and is piped for gas, 
though lighted throughout by electricity, and sup- 
plied with running water from a neighboring hill. 

The building material is Milford pink granite 
and a light gray brick. The ashlar basement, in- 
cluding water-table, steps, and entrance porch en- 
tire, door and window sills and caps, chimney caps 
and coping, are of selected granite, while the brick of 

100 



which the walls are constructed is from Kittanning, 
Armstrong County, Pa., and so thoroughly vitrified 
in the process of manufacture as to be impervious 
to moisture. 

The roof of the main structure is covered with 
Monson black slate, trimmed with copper hip, ridge 
crestings, and finials, and that of the stack-room 
with rolled copper. The floors of the first and sec- 
ond story are of kiln-dried quartered oak, the 
general reading, reference, and juvenile rooms hav- 
ing inlaid patterns, except those of the delivery hall 
and vestibule, which are Italian marble mosaic, 
flecked with the French fleur-de-lis, with ornamental 
border of classic design, the base-boards, plinths, and 
thresholds being of the same rich material, while in 
the centre of the space a graceful wreath incloses 
the monogram of Mrs. Larned, for whom the build- 
ing stands as a memorial. 

The stack-room is exceptionally well lighted and 
well ventilated, with ample windows upon three 
sides, and furnished with Library Bureau clutch 
double steel stack, glass floor, hand lift, and iron 
stairway. 

The walls and ceilings are tastefully tinted and 
decorated, while the interior finish, with all furni- 
ture, fixed and movable, designed and made to order, 
is of choice quartered oak, finished in natural tints. 

One of the most artistic features of the structure 
is the stained glass work of Redding, Baird & Co., 
Boston. While plain, polished plate glass, from 
considerations of utility, was adopted for windows, 
doors, and sometimes partitions, the leaded glass 

101 



bordering the main doorway, transoms, and espe- 
cially the large arched window over the porch ap- 
peal strongly to the aesthetic sense, and are notable 
for their appropriateness and artistic merit. The 
latter commemorates " The Departure of the Pil- 
grims from Holland in 1620," and represents a 
group from the famous painting of Charles West 
Cope, R.A., one of a series decorating the British 
House of Parliament. 

This superb creation, about eight by ten feet in 
size, consists of a large central panel surrounded by 
border panels at the top and sides, with emblematic 
medallions representing "The Mayflower," "The 
Open Bible," and " A Burning Lamp, " which 
serve as foils to the main group. 

The central figure of the devout circle kneeling 
at the water's edge is that of the revered Kobinson, 
with outstretched arms and eyes turned heavenward 
as he commits his charge to Him who rules the 
winds and waves. The accessories are in the high- 
est degree suggestive, especially the local coloring, 
as seen in the Dutch dwellings of gray stone with 
heavy gables and tiled roofs, the old windmill, the 
waiting boat ready to convey its precious freight to 
the "Mayflower" in the offing, and even the pas- 
tor's passionate soul-cry for "More Light" flashing 
forth in ruby and gold from the clear skies over- 
head. 

The transoms on the main floor, including the 
stairway, each of which is a work of art, are no less 
noticeable for their suggestive beauty. In the cen- 
tre of each is a twelve-inch circular medallion, 



102 




THE DEPARTURE OF THE PILGRIMS FROM HOLLAND IN 1620. 
CHARLES WEST COPE, R.A. 



twelve being reproductions of old book-marks used 
by printers and publishers, mostly in the sixteenth 
century, while the remaining four in the juvenile 
room consist of flowers and figures selected from 
" Flora's Feast " by Walter Crane. 

They may be briefly described as follows : — 



SPECIAL STUDY KOOM. 

Arion with violin and bow, standing upon the dolphin. 
Johann Oporin, Basle. 
About 1510-1570. 



An anchor held by two hands and bearing the Greek letters 
Alpha and Omega, also Chi Rho, the initial letters of the name 
of "The Anointed." 

Motto: " CONCOKDIA." 

Gerardus Wolfschatius, Antwerp. 

About 1601-1625. 



GENERAL READING ROOM. 

A crab below, a butterfly above. 

Motto: "MATURA." 

Jehan Trellon, Lyons, and other Lyons printers. 

About 1540-1550. 



An anchor held by a hand reaching from the clouds. 

Motto: "Anchora Spei." 

Thomas Vautrollier, London and Edinburgh. 

About 1565-1605. 

Also 

John Norton, London. 

1601- 



108 



A primitive hand-press and an open book, surrounded by a 
ring of serpents. Invented 1428, 1440. 

Copied from a silver medal struck in Haarlem by Laurens 
Koster. 



A pair of compasses directed by a hand. 

Motto: " Labore et Constant! a." 

The best known of several devices used by the famous 
Plan tins of Antwerp, printers and publishers. Introduced by 
Christopher Plantin about 1550. 



Pegasus. 

Motto: " Ad Astra volandum." 

Jeremiah Duemlerus, Nuremberg. 

About 1601-1650. 



The winged bust of a woman with three heads, — a woman, 
an old man, a young man. A laurel wreath above, a star in 
the woman's forehead, an open book below. 

Motto: "USUS ME GENTJIT." 

Melchior and Gaspard Trechsel, Lyons. 
About 1526-1550. 



REFERENCE EOOM. 

A Bible richly bound, in a circle of light. 
Motto : " Vet at Mori." 
David Martini, Antwerp. 
About 1601. 



LIBRARIAN'S ROOM. 

An open book displayed on the breast of Phoenix, bearing 
the Greek letters Alpha and Omega. 

Motto : ' ' Reno vabitur. ' ' 

Johannes Columbius, Deventer. 

About 1650. 



104 



STAIEWAY. 

A boy piping beneath a tree beside a stream on which he 
has just launched a tiny boat bearing a burning lamp. 
Motto: " Tout bien ott rien." 

Elihu Vedder's design for the Eiverside Press, Cambridge, 
first made to accompany his illustrations to "Rubaiyat" of 
Omar Khayyam. 



Two hands holding upright a caduceus, on which is perched 
a bird. The two serpents are crowned. 

Motto : " FROBEN." 

The device of John Froben, Basle. 
About 1490-1525. 



JUVENILE ROOM. 

The Tulips lift their banners red, 
Or fill their cups with fire instead. 



The little Crocus reaches up 
To catch a sunbeam in his cup. 



The evening Primrose lights her lamp, 
A beacon to the garden camp. 



The Lilies of the day are done, 
And sunk the golden westering Sun. 



Those who have been instrumental in realizing 
an expression of the sentiment and purpose which 
here find embodiment are : — 

Cutting, Carleton & Cutting, 

Worcester Architects. 

Rankin & Woodside, Worcester . . . General Contractors. 

105 



SUB-CONTRACTORS . 

0. Berggren, Oxford Milford Pink Granite. 

Boston Fire Brick Co., Boston .... Kittanning (Pa.) Gray 

Brick. 

George A. Barnard & Sons, Worcester . Roofing. 

Willis C. Beveridge, Oxford .... Plastering. 

New England Marble and Mosaic Co- 
operative Co., Boston Mosaic Work. 

O. S. Kendall & Son, Worcester . . . Heating and Tile Work. 

Redding, Baird & Co., Boston . . . Stained Glass. 

Stenberg & Co., Worcester Mural Decoration. 

Plummer, Ham & Richardson, Worces- 
ter Electric Work. 

T. F. McGann & Sons Co., Boston . . Bronze Tablet. 

Library Bureau, Boston Furniture and Fittings. 

Heywood Bros. & Wakefield Co., Bos- 
ton Furniture. 

Henry M. Pratt, Boston Grading and Shrubbery. 

The Receipts and Disbursements whereby this 
was accomplished are best set forth in the Report of 
the Building Committee submitted to the town at its 
annual meeting, 3 April, 1905, which is hereto 
appended. 



106 



REPORT 

OP THE 

BUILDING COMMITTEE 

OF THE 

CHARLES LARNED MEMORIAL. 

The Building Committee of the Charles Lamed 
Memorial was appointed when the terms of the gift 
required that one-third of the expense should 
be borne by the town. Subsequently, Mr. Lamed 
proposed to assume the entire expense of the build- 
ing, and in view of this change no report to the 
town, save as regards the Wallace Fund and the 
$500 appropriation by the town, would seem to be 
called for, but, as the citizens are deeply interested 
in all details connected with our Free Public Li- 
brary, the financial report of the Charles Larned 
Memorial, in so far as it has been determined by 
the Committee, is respectfully submitted. 

Contributions and Appropriations. 

O. F. Joslin $1,000.00 

Town appropriation 500.00 

Wallace Fund 2,783.84 

Town appropriation for lot 4,500.00 

Charles Larned 25,083.47 

Credit allowed by town on insurance for three years, 110.05 

$33,083.96 
Town appropriation of $500 overdrawn .... 13.83 

$33,997.79 

107 



DISBUKSEMEKTS. 



Library site 

Telegram Newspaper Co 

George E. Chaffee, printing 

J. E. Kimball, labor of teams 

Vinton Bros., teams 

Chaffee Bros. Co., pipes, etc 

John H. McWhorter, labor 

H. M. Pratt, grading and shrubs .... 

C. S. Bacon, insurance 

Visiting libraries for plans 

Postage, car-fare, filling post holes . . . 

Stationery and telephone 

Expense to Boston for plans 

W. H. Haven, piping 

William I. Thompson, engineer .... 

N. S. Pike, cleaning well 

Boardman Bros., copper box 

Vinton Bros., trucking 

Express on tablets 

Duncan & Goodell, hardware 

H. O. Lamson, lighting 

Chaffee Bros. Co., chairs 

C. F. Daniels, labor 

The Clark-Sawyer Co., tools 

Duncan & Goodell, tools 

John H. McWhorter, labor 

William Miller & Son. labor 

Doll & Richards, framing plan .... 

H. M. Pratt, plan 

Law & Hawxhurst.gas and electric fixtures 
Dedication expense, printing, etc. . . . 

Expense, telephone, freight 

Freight on gas machine 

Plummer, Ham & Richardson, elec. w'k . 
C. G. Farnsworth, putting on door spring, 
Barnard, Sumner & Putnam, curtains . 

E. A. Wheelock, door spring 

Rankin & Woodside, contract 

Rankin & Woodside, coal 

O. Berggren, extra on stone work . . . 
Cutting, Carleton & Cutting, architects . 

O. S. Kendall, heating 

Library Bureau, furniture and stack-room 
Chaffee Bros. Co., lumber, pipe, etc. . . 
Postage 



Lot. 



$5,500.00 

13.80 

4.75 

26.39 

255.58 

18.10 

678.58 



3.52 



10.00 



14.75 
26.03 



Lot reduced by sale of buildings 



.40 



3,552.58 
681.50 



$5,871.08 



Movable 
Furniture. 



$212.65 



9.06 
10.00 



18.50 
15.00 



.50 



37.80 



623.25 
6.00 



Building 
and Fixed 
Furniture. 



$932.76 



54.35 

140.00 
16.46 

.45 

5.44 

28.48 

8.95 

2.55 

2.00 

3.30 

175.00 

453.00 



184.00 

40.32 

2.57 

6.71 

41.40 

1.55 

1.80 

20,083.30 

13.50 

453.30 

1,029.34 

800.00 

3,630.25 

7.70 

8.23 



527,193.95 



Total 
Cost. 



$5,500.00 

13.80 

4.75 

26.39 

255.58 

18.10 

54.35 

678.58 

140.00 

16.46 

3.52 

.45 

5.44 

28.48 

8.95 

10.00 

2.55 

2.00 

3.30 

175.00 

453.00 

212.65 

.68 

9.06 

10.00 

14.75 

26.03 

18.50 

15.00 

184.00 

40.32 

3.07 

6.71 

41.40 

1.55 

37.80 

1.80 

20,083.30 

13.50 

453.30 

1,029.34 

800.00 

4,253.50 

14.10 

8.23 



$34,679.29 
681.50 



$33,997.79 



The above does not include the cost of copper roof over stack-room, mosaic floor in de- 
livery-room, ornamental glass windows and bronze tablet, approximating $2,500, which 
items were paid by Mr. Larned, and of whose cost the committee has no knowledge. 



Oxford, Mass., 3 April, 1905. 



JOHN E. KIMBALL, ! 
ORRIN F. JOSLIN, 
ALFRED M. CHAFFEE,! 



Building 
Committee. 



108 



■Firsl-FloovPlan- 

HARLE5 • LARMED-NEMORIAL 
■OXFORD MA5S- 




'Second-Floor Plan- 

■CHARLES • LARNED-MEMORIAL 
•OXFORD MASS 

•Cutting Carteton'CuttinS- 

•architects- 

■Worcester-Mass- 





STAIRWAY LEADING TO SECOND FLOOR. 




DELIVERY COUNTER AND CATALOGUING ROOM. 

STACK ROOM IN REAR. 

DOOR OF LIBRARIAN'S ROOM ON THE RIGHT. 




LOOKING FROM JUVENILE ROOM TO GENERAL READING ROOM 
ACROSS DELIVERY HALL. 




LOOKING FROM GENERAL READING ROOM TO JUVENILE ROOM 
ACROSS DELIVERY HALL. 




A CORNER IN THE JUVENILE ROOM, LOOKING WEST. 



GENERAL READING ROOM, LOOKING SOUTH. 




SPECIAL STUDY AND CONVERSATION ROOM. 



80.1907 

I 



LIBRARY OF CONGRESS 



019 985 403 3 



■ ■ 



